The Central Coast Mariners fought back from a two-goal deficit to secure a dramatic 2-2 draw against Shanghai Shenhua in the AFC Champions League Elite at Central Coast Stadium on Tuesday evening, November 5.
An electric performance from the Mariners was capped off by a last-gasp equaliser from young talent Bailey Brandtman which left fans on the edge of their seats.
After a goalless first half, in which the Mariners had several promising chances, Shanghai Shenhua took control early in the second half.
Brazilian forward Andre Luis broke the deadlock just after the hour mark, and moments later, Yu Hanchao doubled the lead, putting the Mariners on the back foot with time ticking down.
Mariners Head Coach Mark Jackson responded with tactical substitutions, bringing on Haine Eames and Sabit Ngor in the 70th minute.
Just three minutes after their introduction, the pair made an immediate impact, as 16-year-old Eames threaded a precise pass to Ngor, who calmly rounded the goalkeeper and finished to pull a goal back for the Mariners.
The thrilling comeback reached its climax deep into stoppage time.
Substitute Nathan Paull rose highest to flick on a header, and 19-year-old Brandtman acrobatically volleyed home a shot to level the score at 2-2.
Brandtman’s first senior goal couldn’t have come at a better time, sealing a hard-earned point for the Mariners and leaving fans with yet another international football moment to remember.
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