Ghanaian winger Yaw Yeboah found the back of the net for Qingdao Hainiu in a bittersweet debut though his side eventually succumbed to a 3-1 defeat against Yunnan Yukun.

The highly anticipated season opener, held at the Yuxi Plateau Sports Center Stadium on Saturday, marked Yeboah’s first competitive appearance in the Chinese Super League following his high-profile transfer from Major League Soccer.

Despite the clinical nature of his finishing and his evident sharpness on the flank, Hainiu struggled to contain a relentless Yukun attack that took full advantage of defensive lapses throughout the ninety minutes of play.

Yeboah, who recently ended a decorated three-year stint in the United States where he secured both an MLS Cup and a Leagues Cup title, proved why he was signed as a marquee reinforcement.

His goal provided a brief spark of hope for the visitors, showcasing the pace and technical ability that made him a fan favourite in Ohio.

However, Yunnan Yukun’s cohesive team play proved too much for the Qingdao outfit to handle.

While the individual brilliance of the 28-year-old Black Stars international was a clear silver lining for the club, the result leaves Hainiu with significant work to do as they aim to improve upon last season's struggles.

Yeboah will now look to build on this personal momentum as the team prepares for their upcoming home fixtures.