Frank Acheampong returned from injury to provide an assist but that wasn't enough as Teda Wuhan Zall beat Tianjin Teda 2-1 on Wednesday.
The left-winger set up Johnathan for Tianjin Teda's early goal in the 14th minute and held on to the lead until they were carved open in the 65th minute when Jean Evrard Kouassi equalized after being awarded a spot-kick. Wuhan Zall's Junjian Liao got the match-winner from a corner kick which many Tianjin Teda players and officials argued for a goal kick.
Speaking after the game the former RSC Anderlecht player said
“We are not happy with our performance in the first round but it must be admitted that we have had issues with injuries. It is good that I’m about 60% fit now and Johnathan has also recovered. We’re certain the second round will be better so we avoid relegation playoffs in this specially arranged league season,”
Tianjin Teda's next game is against Super League Group B leaders Shanghai SIPG on Monday 31st August 2020.