Taishan Daily published an article commenting and analyzing the prospects of Shandong's soccer teams in the third round of the AFC Cup.
The CFA Cup has released the schedule for the third round of matches, with Shandong Taishan FC visiting Dongguan Guanlian on June 24th, while Zibo Qisheng FC will face Beijing Guoan at home on June 23rd.
Prior to their third consecutive title, Taishan were the reigning AFC Cup champions, winning the cup a total of eight times. Taishan's third round opponent is Dongguan Guanlian United, who eliminated Dalian Zhixiang on penalties in the previous round. Dongguan Dongguan United is currently ranked 11th in China's First Division. The team has former international player Feng Xiaoting. The two foreigners are Onuebu and Raoul. Dongguan Guanlian have been undefeated for five consecutive rounds in the China First Division. They have scored only six goals in nine matches. The team's overall strength is average. As the match will be played under the first leg system, with a 90-minute draw going directly to a penalty shootout, the match still has a good chance and Taishan should play with spirit.
Zibo Qisheng is a China B team who eliminated Jinan Xingzhou in the penalty shootout in the last round. Zibo Qisheng's performance in this season's China B League has been mediocre, with 3 draws and 3 losses in the first 6 rounds without a win. Zibo Qisheng team has some strength with Liu Guobo, Jin Pengxiang, Wang Xiaole, Liu Changqi and many other famous players. Guoan suffered an unexpected defeat in the AFC Cup last season, knocked out on penalties by Jingchuan Wenhui, a Chinese Championship team. Now it remains to be seen whether Zibo Qisheng will be able to replicate that feat. According to the rules, Guoan can't use foreign players in this game and must use a lineup made up of all Chinese players. Previously, Guoan's head coach Stanley was fired and Suarez took over as the team's new coach.
