Mikel, Oscar battle in China as Tianjin TEDA hold Shanghai SIPG

Super Eagles captain John Mikel Obi was on hand to help Tianjin TEDA end Shanghai SIPG perfect start to the new Chinese Super League season.

The former Chelsea midfielder who is used to playing on big European nights again showed there is still plenty to offer as he helped Tianjin TEDA to a 1-1 draw in the Chinese Super league game 7 clash against Shanghai SIPG at the Shanghai Stadium on Sunday.

Shanghai SIPG who are the Chinese Super League reigning champions had won all of their 6 games before they were held at home by Mikel Obi led Tianjin TEDA.

With the likes of Oscar Emboaba and Hulk in their ranks, it was all sure for the hosts to win easily against their visitors but Mikel Obi and co gave a good fight to deny them.

After weathering the barrage of attacks led by hulk in the first five minutes, Ghanaian striker Frank Acheampong put the visitor in front in the 6th minutes of the clash.

Frank Acheampong goal came after a clearance from his box from Shanghai corner kick met him outside his own half, he ran with the ball into the opposition’s box before firing past the goalie for his 5th goal in five league appearances.

Mikel Obi sent in a long ball for Frank Acheampong for what would have been his second of the night but he missed the ball despite finding himself one on one with the goalie.

Mikel Obi ensured that his side maintained possession of the ball for the most part of the game even though the home team kept pushing through Hulk and Oscar.

Shanghai SIPG found themselves back in the game but the goal was disallowed after the VAR was consulted. At halftime, the visitors still maintained their lead but could have scored at least two at the end of the first 45minutes.

The hosts got the equalizer they deserved in the 57th minutes, 12 minutes after the restart through Wenjun Lue.
Wenjun Lue scored from a cross put in by Oscar.

Mikel Obi and co stood firm to deny their hosts from winning the game to secure another vital point away from home. Tianjin TEDA are unbeaten in their last three games and now sit on the 8th position with 9 points from 7 games.