Former Western United coach John Aloisi has made a dream start to life in the Chinese Super League, guiding Chengdu Rongcheng to 5-1 win over Shenzhen Xinpeng City on the opening night of the 2026 season.
The Socceroos great was appointed Chengdu Rongcheng coach in January, and is one of four former A-League coaches in charge of CSL clubs, the others being his brother Ross (Zhejiang), Nick Montgomery (Beijing Guoan) and Kevin Muscat (Shanghai Port).
Chengdu Rongcheng led 3-1 at half-time in Friday night’s clash at Shuangliu Sports Centre. with goals from Brazilian pair Wellington Silva and Felipe de Sousa Silva, and China international Hu Hetao giving the hosts the ascendancy after Shenzhen Xinpeng had taken a fifth-minute lead through former Finland and Albania youth international Albion Ademi.
Wellington Silva scored again the 63rd minute to increase Aloisi’s men’s lead to 4-1, with substitute Liao Lisheng providing the icing on the cake with Chengdu Rongcheng’s fifth goal 16 minutes later.
It was Aloisi’s third game in charge of Chengdu Rongcheng in all competitions, with his team having lost AFC Champions League Elite matches against Thai club Buriram United (1-0) and Japanese outfit Machida Zelvia (3-2).
Muscat’s Shanghai Port was due to start its CSL campaign on Saturday night (AEDT) against Henan, while Zhejiang and Beijing Guoan both play on Sunday night.
