The Chinese FA Cup's Round of 16 produced drama and surprises on Saturday as Beijing Guoan, Guangdong GZ-Power, Yunnan Yukun and Qingdao Hainiu booked their tickets to the quarterfinals. After Chengdu Rongcheng's win over Shandong Taishan tipped the first tie in the round, four more upsets and tight contests stole the headlines.
Beijing Guoan Win Penalty Shootout Thriller
At Dalian Yingbo's home ground, Cephas Malele's penalty put the hosts ahead just before halftime. But Dawhan's last-gasp equalizer in stoppage time forced extra time, and neither side could break the deadlock. In a nail-biting shootout, Beijing recovered from an early miss to prevail 6-5 on spot kicks.
Guangdong GZ-Power Upsets Tianjin Jinmen Tiger
Meanwhile, Guangdong GZ-Power stunned top-flight Tianjin Jinmen Tiger 2-0 at Yuexiushan Stadium. After a quiet first half – highlighted by Jiang Zhiqin's near miss and Xia Dalong's header threat – Ma Junliang scrambled home the opener post-break. A sharp-angled strike from João Carlos sealed the shock win, despite a crucial goal-line clearance by Yang Fan.
Yunnan Yukun and Qingdao Hainiu Join the Party
Yunnan Yukun took advantage of a strong lineup to beat League One side Shaanxi Union 2-1 away. Pedro Henrique and Oscar Maritu gave Yukun a two-goal cushion before Liao Shaowen pulled one back, but the underdogs held on.
At home, Qingdao Hainiu rested key starters but still raced to a 2-0 lead over League Two's Guangxi Hengchen, thanks to Jin Yonghao and Luo Senwen. A late goal from Ji Xinlong made things tense, but Qingdao closed out a 2-1 win.
With three ties left on Sunday, all eyes turn to the highly anticipated Shanghai derby between Port and Shenhua as the Chinese FA Cup quarterfinal race heats up.
Reference(s):
Chinese FA Cup: Beijing Guoan among four teams advancing to last eight
cgtn.com
