Beijing Guoan wrote a new chapter in their FA Cup journey, outlasting Qingdao West Coast in a dramatic penalty shootout to reach the semifinals of the Chinese Football Association Cup.
After consecutive quarterfinal exits in 2023 and 2024, this victory marks a statement for the capital club.
The match served up early drama: an injury forced Fabio Abreu on in the 21st minute, and Zhang Xizhe's 29th-minute cross rattled the post as both sides remained locked at 0-0 at halftime.
In the 52nd minute, Wang Ziming intercepted a pass by He Longhai and slotted into an open net to give Beijing a 1-0 lead. Qingdao answered in the 62nd when Aziz Yabuku pounced on a goalkeeper mishap to level.
Extra time saw Cao Yongjing fire home in the 115th minute, only for Davidson to head in a Ding Haifeng free kick two minutes later, sending the game to penalties.
Beijing kept their cool from the spot, converting their first four attempts while Qingdao saw Yabuku and Matheus Indio miss, securing a 4-2 shootout win.
Up next, Beijing Guoan will face Yunnan Yukun in the semifinals. Can they finally break their quarterfinal hoodoo and chase FA Cup glory?
Reference(s):
Beijing Guoan beat Qingdao West Coast for Chinese FA Cup semifinals
cgtn.com
