On August 23rd, the first round of the season's AFC Cup was completed, and the 18 teams in the Central League managed to decide 9 teams to advance after a fierce competition. Among them, Nantong Zhiyun, as the leader of the Central League, was unexpectedly eliminated.
Highlights of Dalian Competition
Suzhou Dongwu beat Beijing Institute of Technology (BIT) 2-0, and the core of the team, Kaiser, was honored as the best player of the match with two goals.
In a 3-1 victory for Zibo Cuju, 21-year-old starlet Wang Hansheng, who has trained at a high level with clubs such as Valencia and Yellow Submarine, was voted Man of the Match.
Qingdao Hainiu beat Heilongjiang Bingcheng in a thrilling 10-9 victory through penalty kicks.
Tangshan Spotlight
Shijiazhuang Kung Fu knocked out Nantong Zhiyun by a score of 2-0, with Liu Tianyang and Rosario scoring a goal each, and it is worth mentioning that Liu Tianyang is a youth player of Shijiazhuang Kung Fu.
Kunshan beat Liaoning Shenyang City 4-2, with young player Abi contributing two shots and a pass to be honored as the best player of the game.
Jiangxi Beidamen beat Xinjiang Tianshan Xuebao 4-3 in a close match.
Nanjing Regional Report
Guangxi Pingguo Ha Loud and Clear beat Shaanxi Chang'an Athletic in a 1-0 match.
Sichuan Jiuniu won 4-2 against Beijing Beitian University, Xia Dalong scored twice and was elected the best player of the match.
Nanjing City beat Qingdao Youth Island 4-2 in a penalty shootout, and goalkeeper Hao Kesen was elected the best of the match after making several saves and pouncing on the penalty kicks.
It is reported that the nine promoted teams will compete with 18 Chinese Super League teams, three Chinese B teams and two Chinese Championship teams for the top 32 of the AFC Cup. The AFC will hold a draw for the last 32 on September 1st.
