Caltex Socceroos striker Apo Giannou has scored his first goal in the Chinese Super League against a Socceroo teammate while Ryan McGowan also struck an impressive winner as a number of Aussies excelled abroad overnight.
It was a special moment for Giannou as he made the most of a rare start for Guangzhou R&F by slotting in the opening goal against Trent Sainsbury’s Jiangsu Suning.
After Guangzhou broke free down the left, Giannou timed his run perfectly to get on the end of a cross with a superb sliding finish at the far post.
It was better news for Socceroo defender McGowan who smashed in a stunning volley to help Henan Jianye to a vital 1-0 win over Yánbiān Fùdé.
The ball fell nicely to the Aussie defender right on the edge of the box and he lashed a powerful drive into the top corner which gave the keeper no chance.
McGowan’s 13th minute strike was enough for Henan, who have moved up to fourth on the CSL ladder.
Tim Cahill played a full match for Hangzhou Greentown but was unable to find the net as his side lost 1-0 at Chongqing Lifan.
But the match did see a return from injury for Socceroo defender Matthew Spiranovic, who came on midway through the second half.
Elsewhere, Nathan Burns was a second half substitute in the J-League, with his FC Tokyo playing out a 1-1 draw with Sanfreece Hiroshima.
In Korea, Adrian Leijer played 90 minutes but was on the end of a 2-0 loss at Incheon United, while in Thailand Matt Smith’s Bangkok Glass cruised to a 6-0 win over BCC Tero in the first round of their FA Cup.