Wuhan Sanzhen, the defending champions, are in an unfavorable situation with only 1 point in their last 2 matches. If not for the last minute draw in their last game, they would have suffered 2 consecutive losses. Now this team needs to pull themselves together and get out of the current slump. But in this round, they will challenge Meizhou Hakka on the road. Although Meizhou Hakka is only a new team in the second year, their playing style is very mature, they drew with Guoan in the first round, and lost to Shenhua in the second round by only 1 goal. This team is very competitive and is expected to get their first win at home in this round. Therefore, it will not be easy for Wuhan Sanzhen to win, especially after losing Malcolm, they need to get back to form in offense.
In the starting lineup, Meizhou Hakka used the familiar 4231 formation, Cheng Yuelei guarding the goal, Rao Weihui, Du Galiqi, Liao Junjian, Ru Zinan lined up from left to right, Shi Liang and Li Yongjia double back, Rodriguez, Yin Hongbo, Ye Chugui three midfielders, Lobozhan Zhanizhe single-arrow charge; Wuhan Sanzhen for the 4141 formation, Liu Dengzuo guarding the city, Wallace and Liu Yiming cooperating in the center back, Gao Junyi, Deng Hanwen Left and right wing, He Chao, Yan Dinghao, Xie Pengfei, Wei Shihao four midfielders, Stanciu front waist and shadow striker, Davidson striker.
In the opening half, Sanzhen dominated the midfield with counter-attacks and had 65% possession. However, Meizhou Hakka relied more on defensive counterattacks to find opportunities. However, with Sanzhen's powerful offense, the passing success rate was limited to less than 70%. In the first 30 minutes, they attacked and defended each other. In the 38th minute, Sanzhen was awarded a corner kick, and Xie Pengfei launched it quickly. The tactical corner kick found Stancho at the front of the box. The latter fired hard and the ball hit Yan Dinghao's foot. The latter followed the trend.
However, the good times didn't last long as Meizhou Hakka quickly organized a counterattack and got a free kick just 3 minutes later. After a messy battle in front of the goal, 1m93 Dujalić hooked the ball into the net and Meizhou Hakka equalized the score before the end of the half. In the second half, both sides had their share of offense and defense, but neither side was able to score in regulation time. It wasn't until the 92nd minute that national team player Xie Pengfei scored the killer goal, allowing Sanzhen to bounce back with a 2-1 away win over Meizhou Hakka.
