Akpembe scores against China, breaking goal drought for CSL foreign players
In a thrilling match that saw both teams battle it out for supremacy, the Chinese Super League (CSL) side Shanghai Shenhua defeated their local rivals Jiangsu Suning 1-0 on Saturday night. The victory was all the more impressive considering that it came at the expense of Akpembe, who has been struggling to find the back of the net in recent matches.
The Nigerian striker had scored just one goal in his previous five appearances for the club, but he showed no signs of complacency as he delivered a crucial assist for the winning goal. His contribution to the team's success was not lost on the fans and players alike, who celebrated his achievement with a round of applause from the stands.
Despite the setback, Akpembe remains a key player for the club, having made over 100 appearances for them since joining in 2015. He is known for his versatility, being able to play as a striker or as a winger depending on the tactics of the coach. However, his recent form has been a cause for concern, with him failing to score in his last three games.
The defeat against Jiangsu Suning will undoubtedly be a blow to Akpembe's confidence, but he will need to focus on regaining his form if he wants to help his team continue their successful run in the CSL. With a number of top players currently injured, Akpembe may have to step up his game even further to make up for the loss of goalscoring opportunities.
Overall, Akpembe's performance against Jiangsu Suning was a reminder of his importance to the team and the impact he can have when he is on form. Despite the setback, he will need to work hard to regain his place in the starting lineup and help his team secure another win in the coming fixtures.