A-LEAGUE leaders Central Coast Mariners kicked off their Asian Champions League campaign with a 0-0 draw against Tianjin Teda in China.

The Mariners, who have yet to win an ACL game after seven attempts, defended stoutly and had some late chances to win the game.

Clear-cut opportunities were at a premium, with both teams only testing the opposing goalkeeper a couple of times.

While Tianjin pushed forward at every opportunity they were generally well contained by a determined Central Coast side, who occasionally threatened on the counter attack but didn't capitalise on their set-piece opportunities.

It was an encouraging start for the Mariners, who have won just one of their past six A-league games.

Central Coast coach Graham Arnold made three changes to the team which drew 1-1 with Sydney last Saturday, bringing in Daniel McBreen, Pedj Bojic and Mustafa Amini for John Sutton, Trent Sainsbury and Tom Rogic.

Young substitutes Rogic and Bernie Ibini added some pep to the Mariners in the second half and each had a chance to win the game.

Rogic had a firm shot saved by Tianjin's goalkeeper while Ibini had a stoppage-time effort blocked by the home team's Australian defender Milan Susak.

The Mariners survived a nervous moment near the end.

The referee waved away a penalty appeal despite replays suggesting Mariners defender Patrick Zwaanswijk caught the man not the ball.

Central Coast goalkeeper Mat Ryan made an important save in each half.

He blocked a 31st minute shot from Chen Tao, who was right through, and caught a chip from Veliche Shumulikoski on the hour.

Central Coast left back Josh Rose had a close range shot from a tight angle blocked by the legs of the home goalkeeper in the 48th minute.

The referee had to briefly hold the game up near halftime after a laser was pointed into the eyes of Ryan.

The result completed a mixed opening ACL round for the three Australian sides, with Adelaide winning 2-1 away to Uzbekistan's Bunyodkor and Brisbane losing 2-0 at home to Japan's FC Tokyo.

In Group G action, Brazilian striker Everton scored the second of his two goals in the 90th minute for South Korean side Seongnam Ilhwa to salvage a 2-2 draw away to Nagoya Grampus in Japan.

Everton gave his team a 1-0 lead two minutes after the break but Australia striker Josh Kennedy levelled for Nagoya from the penalty spot 10 minutes later.

Mu Kanazaki gave the hosts a 2-1 lead in the 73rd minute before Everton's last-gasp equalizer.

Meanwhile, Chinese champion Guangzhou Evergrande opened their campaign with a 5-1 thrashing of 2011 finalist Jeonbuk Motors,

In Thailand, midfielder Jirawat Makkharom scored in the 77th minute as Thai champions Buriram United upset J-League champions Kashiwa Reysol 3-2 in Thailand.

The top two teams in each of the eight groups advance to the round of 16.

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Originally published as Mariners weather storm for draw