BEIJING, Aug. 2-- French coach Bruno Genesio claimed a hard victory in his debut with Chinese Super League side Beijing Guoan here on Friday, as Renato Augusto and Cedric Bakambu each scored a penalty in the stoppage time to help them beat Hebei China Fortune 2-0 at home. The former Lyon manager took the helm of the CSL powerhouse on Wednesday after his predecessor Roger Schmidt of Germany was sacked following the team's disastrous three-game losing streak in all competitions. "We played well in the first fifteen minutes in the first half. We created two good chances, one was saved and the other one hit the post," the 53-year-old Frenchman said after the game. "But we finally won the game through two penalties. We deserve the victory." Guoan was awarded a penalty for a handball from Hebei's defender Liu Jing in the 87th minute and Brazilian midfielder Augusto convert it to pocket his 10th league goal of the season. Congolese striker Bakambu gave the visiting side another heavy blow only two minutes later, as he also scored from a penalty kick after being brought down by Hebei's goalkeeper Chi Wenyi in the penalty area. Guoan currently moved to the second place of the table, one point behind league leaders Guangzhou Evergrande and three clear of third-placed Shanghai SIPG, with one more game having played. "The win will boost our confidence, especially for our next important game," Genesio said. Guoan will host Evergrande in the CSL on August 11 as the clash is no doubt critical for both sides. |