Record signing Ricardo Goulart gave Guangzhou Evergrande's new boss Fabio Cannavaro a flying start in the AFC Champions League when he snatched a 1-0 win over FC Seoul on Wednesday.

The Brazilian joined the megabucks 2013 champions for a Chinese record of 15 million euros ($17 million) last month, and it looked a shrewd investment as his first-half header sealed victory.

Goulart's thunderbolt shot was parried away but, from the resulting corner, he combined with fellow Brazilian newcomer Alan to settle what was a rematch of the 2013 final.

Alan, an 11-million-euro acquisition from Red Bull Salzburg, nodded the high corner to the back post where the unmarked Goulart stooped to header it home on 31 minutes.

Sharp-suited Cannavaro was appearing in front of the red hordes at Guangzhou's Tianhe stadium for the first time, and the Italian will be relieved to get off the mark in Group H.

It was only the 2006 world player of the year's second game in management following Guangzhou's shock Chinese Super Cup loss to Shandong Luneng on penalties earlier this month.

However, Guangzhou trail Western Sydney Wanderers on goal difference in Group H after the defending champions shrugged off woeful domestic form to beat Kashima Antlers 3-1.

A Gen Shoji own goal helped the Wanderers on their way and, despite Shoma Doi's 68th-minute equaliser, late strikes from Yojiro Takahagi and Mark Bridge sealed the away win.

The victory will be a major boost for last year's surprise winners, who have registered just one victory from 16 A-League games and lie bottom of the domestic table.

However, Australian champions Brisbane Roar were cruelly undone as they lost 1-0 to Beijing Guoan in Group G courtesy of a Shao Jiayi free-kick in the 90th minute.

Shao's attempt from distance took a wicked deflection and sailed into the Brisbane goal as the ex-China international was mobbed by his team-mates.

Also in Group G, Oh Beom-Seok and Brazilian striker Leo netted in the second half as South Korea's Suwon Samsung came from behind to beat Urawa Red Diamonds 2-1.