CHINESE powerhouse Guangzhou Evergrande drew 0-0 away to Kawasaki Frontale on Wednesday to slip into second place in Group G of the 2017 AFC Champions League.

    It was the third successive stalemate for Luiz Felipe Scolari’s men in the continental competition. It leaves the 2013 and 2015 winners on six points from four games, two behind new group leaders Suwon Samsung Bluewings, of South Korea.

    Wet and windy conditions at the Todoroki Stadium in Japan may have contributed to an open game. But both teams struggled to create more than half-chances and shots from distance.

    Yu Hanchao, Alan and Ricardo Goulart all forced saves out of Kawaski’s Jung Sung-ryong in the first half, with the goalkeeper having to get down quickly to push a low Paulinho shot to safety.

    Kawasaki looked more dangerous after the break and the hosts’ best openings came midway into the second half.

    Ex-Tottenham midfielder Paulinho had a decent chance for Guangzhou in the first half in Japan.

    First, Brazilian attacker Rhayner, dangerous throughout, saw his low shot from outside the area saved by Zeng Cheng in the Guangzhou goal. Seconds later, Zeng had to get down quickly to save a fierce shot from Tatsuya Hasegawa.

    Suwon Samsung Bluewings eased into top spot with a 5-0 win over Eastern SC of Hong Kong. Initially, the South Koreans enjoyed plenty of the ball, but struggled to break down a well-organized visiting defense.

    Captain Yeom Ki-hun opened the scoring in the first half with Ko Seung-beom adding a second just after the hour. Soon after, Brazilian striker Jonathon netted twice in quick succession before grabbed his second and Suwon’s fifth.

    Eastern stays bottom of the group with one point, three behind Kawasaki in third.

    Brisbane Roar kept its hopes of the knockout stage alive with a 2-1 win over Kashima Antlers in Group E.(SD-Agencies)