Joel Griffiths, who was overlooked by Pim Verbeek for Australia's provisional 31-man World Cup squad, made the breakthrough in the contest after just five minutes with a lovely volley.

The strike was Griffiths' sixth for the season and his third in the CSL this term.

Shenhua, though, were incredibly ahead by the quarter of the hour mark, with Dai Lin equalizing before Jean Michel N'Lend's 12th minute header put the hosts in front.

Twenty minutes later Shanghai's Colombian striker Duvier Riascos made it 3-1 with a cool finish.

On 77 minutes, Ryan Griffiths pulled one back for Guoan with a cracking left-foot shot after Valdo's knockdown, but it was too little too late.

Guoan are now fourth, five points behind leaders Shanghai.

In China's League One, ex-Sydney FC striker Brendon Santalab put in a full shift as promotion-chasing Chengdu Blades lost 3-0 at home to Shanghai East Asia.

In Japan's J.League Cup, overlooked Socceroo Matthew Spiranovic played another full game at the back as Urawa Red Diamonds won 2-1 at Shonan Bellmare. Urawa are top of Group B.

Elsewhere, Eddy Bosnar started and played 65 minutes as Shimizu S-Pulse drew 0-0 with Yokohama F. Marinos. Shimizu are second in Group B.