Players vie for the ball during a 2023 season Chinese Football Association Super League (CSL) 17th round match between Qingdao Hainiu and Henan FC in Qingdao, east China's Shandong province, July 17, 2023. (PHOTO / XINHUA)

SHANGHAI - Shanghai Shenhua remains in second place in the Chinese Super League (CSL) with a 2-1 home win over Meizhou Hakka in the 17th round on Monday.

Shenhua went ahead in the 42nd minute as Cephas Malele was fouled in the box before Cameroon forward Christian Bassogog converted the penalty.

Just three minutes later, Meizhou midfielder Rodrigo sprinted into the penalty area, where his shot was deflected in by Shenhua defender Zhu Chenjie to level the game.

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Yang Zexiang's right-wing cross set up Yu Hanchao's header in the 63rd minute. Shenhua had another chance to extend their lead in the 76th minute, but Meizhou goalkeeper Cheng Yuelei stopped Malele's attempt.

Shanghai Shenhua maintains the second-place position in the league with 34 points after the match, trailing city rivals Shanghai Port, who has 40 points.

Chengdu Rongcheng, who is competing with Shenhua for second place, lost 2-1 to Cangzhou Mighty Lions.

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Also on Monday, Qingdao Hainiu beat Henan FC 2-0 thanks to goals from Elvis Saric and Felicio Forbes.