Ahead of our first friendly match of our #JetsInChina tour, Madeline Riley cast an eye over Liaoning Whowin FC from the Chinese Super League.
We will take on Liaoning Whowin FC on Saturday 27 August 2016 at the Huludao City Stadium in Liaoning Province (roughly two hours drive from their home base in Shenyang in China’s north). Kick-off will be at 7:30pm local time, which is 9:30pm AEST.
Read a little about Liaoning FC and their foreign players that we will need to nullify this weekend below. And don’t forget to search the hashtag #JetsInChina on social media between August 25 and September 5 to access tour content.
Liaoning Hongyun (Whowin) FC
Founded: 1953
Turned professional: 1994
League: Chinese Super League (CSL)
Manager: Ma Lin
Captain: Zhao Junzhe (#9)
Colours: Red, white, black
Significant Titles: 2009 China League One (Division 2) Winners, 2000 Chinese Super Cup Winners, 1990 Asian Club Champions
Fact: Forbes value Liaoning Whowin FC as the 10th most valuable football team in China at USD$67 million. The club’s 2015 revenue was USD$14 million.
Last CSL Match: Liaoning Whowin FC played their last match on Saturday 20 August 2016 away to Shanghai Shenhua, losing 2-1. Australian Michael Thwaite gave Liaoning the lead, before Colombian Giovanni Moreno restored parity and Nigerian marksman Obafemi Martins fired the hosts to victory.
Next CSL Match: Liaoning Whowin FC will host Hangzhou Greentown FC – who are currently level with them on 26 CSL points – on Saturday 10 September 2016.
Current CSL Position: 13/16 (6W, 8D, 8L from 22 CSL games in 2016)
Last five matches: LDDWL
Key players:
Liaoning Whowin FC possess five foreign players – two of whom are Australian. 21 of the club’s 28 goals in the 2016 Chinese Super League (CSL) thus far have been scored by their foreigners, so it’s fair to say we’ll need to keep a keen eye on them – plus a watchful gaze on their locals – this Saturday night in Huludao.
James Chamanga (#12)
He may be aging but 36-year-old Zambian international striker James Chamanga remains Liaoning Whowin FCs most reliable route to goal. Chamanga – who has been in China since 2008 and with Liaoning since 2013 – has netted 12 goals in 21 appearances this campaign. Chamanga represented Zambia at the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations and has also played in the South African Premier League throughout his career. Chamanga started Liaoning Whowin’s last CSL match.
Anthony Ujah (#37)
25-year-old Nigerian international Anthony Ujah was signed by Liaoning Whowin FC from highly regarded German Bundesliga club Werder Bremen in July 2016 for a reported fee of 13 million Euros. Ujah – who has scored regularly throughout his career which has seen him play in Norway with Lillestrøm, as well as Mainz, FC Köln and Bremen in Germany – has scored twice in his seven appearances for Liaoning thus far. Ujah started Liaoning Whowin’s last CSL match.
Assani Lukimya (#21)
30-year-old Congolese/German defender Assani Lukimya has scored three goals from central defence for Liaoning Whowin FC this year — that’s as many as he did in the three seasons he spent with Werder Bremen between 2012 and 2015. Lukimya has also played for Fortuna Düsseldorf, Carl Zeiss Jena, Hansa Rostock and Hertha Berlin in Germany before. Lukimya replaced Dario Vidosic in the 46th minute of Liaoning Whowin’s last CSL match.
Michael Thwaite (#33)
33-year-old Australian Michael Thwaite – who spent last season with Perth Glory in the Hyundai A-League – joined Liaoning Whowin FC in January 2016. The centreback has scored two goals in 18 appearances for Liaoning this season. Thwaite started Liaoning Whowin’s last CSL match.
Dario Vidosic (#13)
29-year-old Australian Dario Vidosic – who spent last season with Western Sydney Wanderers in the Hyundai A-League – joined Liaoning Whowin FC in June 2016. He has since scored one goal in seven appearances. Vidosic started Liaoning Whowin’s last CSL match.
