On June 22, Beijing time, the third round of the FA Cup was first contested in five matches. The round started with the Chinese Super League teams taking part in the competition. Five teams - Meizhou Hakka, Changchun Yatai, Henan, Dalian Ren and Zhejiang - all won to advance to the last 16 first.
The match between Dalian Ren and Yanbian Longding was the first to be played. Throughout the game, Dalian Ren finished with 13 shots on goal and dominated the game. Tesonev contributed on the pass, business hiding the goal, Dalian Ren managed to advance with 2-0. Zhejiang had a much easier match against Sichuan Jiuniu. Evolo and Cheng Jin scored two goals in the first half, while Gaudi and Li Tixiang scored in the second half. Nansong pulled a goal back for Sichuan Jiu Niu and Zhejiang won 4-1. Henan took part in the China match and met a tough resistance from Hunan Xiangtao, the second team of China. Although Hunan Xiangtao's possession was at a disadvantage, he finished with 10 shots on goal, far more than Henan's four. Fortunately, Henan was more than capable of capitalizing on their chances, wading through 1-0 with Song Yuntong's header.
Changchun Yatai also met resistance from Central League One rivals Nanjing City in a match full of twists and turns. Leonardo scored an early goal for Changchun Yatai, but Duan Yunzi and Jefferson scored twice in the second half to go over the line. Changchun Yatai regained the lead with two goals within two minutes of Sergio's. Cao Yongjing and Masika then scored as Changchun Yatai advanced to the Round of 16 with a 4-3 win. Meizhou Hakka almost capsized against Suzhou Dongwu, and it was not until penalties that the match was decided. Typically, Cui Wei broke the deadlock for Meizhou Hakka, and Wu Lei's goal sent the game into the penalty shootout. At the crucial moment of the penalty shootout, Guo Quanbo successfully pounced on the opponent's spoon penalty to help Meizhou Hakka advance. It was a very close game, but in the end they came out on top.
The first five teams to play in the Chinese Super League have all won so far, advancing to the round of 16. Six matches will be played on the 23rd of this week, including the Sichuan-Chongqing derby, which pits Chongqing Tongliang Dragons against Chengdu Rongcheng. There are five matches on the 24th, while two old rivals, Guangzhou and Shanghai Harbor, will also play on this day.
