Guangzhou FC and Shandong Taishan FC eliminated from AFC Champions League

BANGKOK - Guangzhou FC and Shandong Taishan FC ended their AFC Champions League group stage on Saturday without a win after losing to Japan's Kawasaki Frontale and Urawa Red Diamonds respectively.

The two Chinese teams ranked bottom of their groups respectively after six matches. They have fielded second-string lineups, as clubs are preparing for the new Chinese Super League season, whose opening date is yet to be decided.

Guangzhou lost 1-0 against reigning J-League champions Kawasaki Frontale, after the Japanese side had beaten Guangzhou 8-0 in their first group stage encounter.

Kei Chinen scored the game's only goal in the 14th minute with a turn and drive into the back of the net, but the victory was not enough to secure a place in the round of 16 for Kawasaki.

Johor DT of Malaysia surprisingly won the group and advanced to the next round for the first time after a 2-1 win over Ulsan Hyundai FC, in a game decided by an own goal by the South Korean side.

In Group F, Shandong Taishan couldn't improve from their earlier 5-0 defeat against Urawa Red Diamonds, ending their campaign with another 5-0 defeat against the Japanese side in pouring rain.

Daegu FC of South Korea topped the group and Urawa also qualified for the next round as one of the best three group runners-up in the East Zone.