BEIJING - Nemanja Covic scored twice and set up another as Henan FC celebrated the club's 29th anniversary with a 3-1 victory over leaders Shanghai Port in the Chinese Super League on Friday.

Nemanja Covic slotted home from long range in the 44th minute, assisted by Hildeberto Pereira in the box after receiving Djordje Denic's cross from the right

Despite less ball possession, Henan players showed their desire to beat Shanghai on home turf through counterattacks in the first half. Covic slotted home from long range in the 44th minute, assisted by Hildeberto Pereira in the box after receiving Djordje Denic's cross from the right.

In the 63rd minute, Denic's long-range shot put Henan 2-0 ahead. Shanghai forward Lucas Joao pulled one back with a freak goal off his back in the 71st minute when a defender failed to make a clearance.

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However, Covic wrapped up the win with a powerful header from a corner in the 88th minute.

In Friday's other match, Shandong Taishan beat Shenzhen FC 2-1 to cut its points gap from Shanghai to nine points as it remains second in the standings.

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Shenzhen had an ideal start as Shahsat Hujahmat scored after only six minutes, but found themselves in a difficult situation after Liu Yue was sent off before the break, and Cryzan turned the tides for Shandong with a late brace.