The Singapore side were always going to struggle once Hafiz Osman had been sent off in the first half and Hernan Barcos converted the subsequent spot-kick.

John Wilkinson levelled but goals from Yu Tao, Yin Xifu and a second from Barcos ensured Shenhua made a winning start to their Group G campaign.

Chinese Super League side Shenhua started the better of the two sides at Hongkou Stadium as Barcos was the first to have a chance on goal when he met Mao Jianqing's cross from the right but sent his header wide.

The Argentinean continued to pose the main threat for the hosts and won a penalty in the 25th minute when his shot was blocked by the hand of Hafiz.

The SAF defender was subsequently shown his marching orders and Barcos kept his cool to convert the penalty.

Despite being a man down, SAF initially gave a good account of themselves and had a good chance to level shortly before half-time when Therdsak Chaiman's long-range effort was saved by goalkeeper Zhang Chen.

Australia international Mark Milligan nearly made it 2-0 for Shenhua after the break when his shot from the edge of the area was superbly punched away by Shahril Jantan.

But the visitors equalised just after the hour mark when Wilkinson capitalised on some poor defending before coming out on top in a one-on-one situation with goalkeeper Zhang.

Shenhua responded strongly and Yu Tao restored their lead just 10 minutes later when he turned home a rebound from Milligan's long-range effort.

Substitute Yin Xifu then extended the hosts lead with six minutes remaining before Barcos added a fourth in stoppage time when he headed home Yin's corner from the right.