Lippi leads Guangzhou into Asian quarters

GUANGZHOU - Chinese Super League champions Guangzhou Evergrande edged Japan's FC Tokyo 1-0 here on Wednesday night, roaring into the AFC Champions League quarterfinals.

Cleverson Gabriel Cleo (right) of Guangzhou Evergrande celebrates after scoring a goal during the match against Japan's FC Tokyo, in Guangzhou city, South China's Guangdong province on May 30, 2012.[Photo/Xinhua]

It was the first time for a Chinese club to enter the top eight of the AFC Champions League in six years. Shanghai Shenhua had advanced to the quarters in 2006.

During the one-game knockout, Cleverson Gabriel Cleo tapped in the only goal at the goalmouth in the 30th minute.

It was the second victory for Italian elite coach Marcello Lippi who began to direct Guangzhou Evergrande earlier this month. Before today's win, Guangzhou Evergrande, under Lippi's rein, collected a 1-0 home win and 1-1 away tie in the Chinese Super League.

South Korean Cho Won-hee (left) of Guangzhou Evergrande fights for the ball during the match against Japan's FC Tokyo, in Guangzhou city, South China's Guangdong province on May 30, 2012.[Photo/Xinhua]