Didier Drogba made an instant impact on his debut for Chinese Super League side Shanghai Shenhua on Sunday, setting up his new team’s equaliser in a 1-1 draw away to Guangzhou R&F. The former Chelsea striker started the game on the bench but came on at half time, almost scoring with his first touch of the ball — an outrageous 40-yard free kick which Guangzhou goalkeeper Cheng Yuelei tipped wide. Shenhua had struggled in the first half after falling behind to an unfortunate own goal by Brazilian defender Moises on 21 minutes, but the introduction of Drogba instantly transformed the visitors’ fortunes. The game had been one of China’s most eagerly awaited this season, with Drogba-fever having swept the Chinese football world. Former Japan national team coach Philippe Troussier, now managing Chinese second division side Shenzhen Ruby, and Italian World-Cup winning coach Marcello Lippi, manager of Guangzhou Evergrande, were in the stands. Shenhua have struggled badly this season, winning just four of 17 games, but they played with an increased level of confidence when Drogba, a European Champions League winner with Chelsea in May, stepped onto the pitch. In the 52nd minute the Ivory Coast striker headed just over the bar from a cross from winger Feng Renliang, and was at the centre of every Shenhua move as they tried to get back into the game. Drogba’s biggest contribution came in the 68th minute with an exquisite through ball which found Shanghainese playmaker Cao Yunding, who rounded the keeper to equalise. The match was also notable for being the first time Drogba and Nicolas Anelka — who were Chelsea teammates — have played together at Shenhua. Anelka sealed a £175,000 (Dh1.02 million $273,000) a week move from Chelsea last December. Drogba was reunited with the Frenchman after signing a deal that Chinese and British media have said is worth £200,000 a week, making him the highest-paid player in China and in the top bracket globally. He was given a hero’s welcome when he arrived in China last week to start his two-and-a-half-year contract. Hundreds of fans, many clad in “Drogba 11” shirts, greeted the former Chelsea star at Shanghai’s Pudong airport, some carrying flowers, others brandishing his name in English on placards and many jostling to touch him.
GMT 10:15 2018 Tuesday ,23 January
Brewers make offer to Japanese pitcher DarvishGMT 11:51 2018 Monday ,22 January
Jos Buttler hailed as ‘the difference’ between England and Australia in tourists’ winGMT 11:38 2018 Monday ,22 January
New Zealand to bowl in first T20 against PakistanGMT 13:13 2018 Friday ,19 January
New Zealand beat Pakistan by 15 runs to seal series sweepGMT 07:19 2018 Friday ,19 January
Man Utd set to make Sanchez highest-paid Premier League playerGMT 13:43 2018 Thursday ,18 January
Ben Stokes ‘delighted’ to be cleared to play for England againGMT 10:25 2018 Monday ,15 January
Roy record powers England to opening victory over AustraliaGMT 10:15 2018 Monday ,15 January
India thrash Aussies in U19 World Cup

Maintained and developed by Arabs Today Group SAL.
All rights reserved to Arab Today Media Group 2025 ©
Maintained and developed by Arabs Today Group SAL.
All rights reserved to Arab Today Media Group 2025 ©
Send your comments
Your comment as a visitor