In the 14th round of the 2023 Premier League season, July 2 was highlighted by four exciting matches. The bottom four teams battled it out, with two of the matches resulting in draws, as the teams remained rock solid in the standings. The Cangzhou Lions managed to hold off the rise of Zhejiang in this round, while the Jinmen Tigers showed their strength on the Shanghai beach.
Super League standings in flux
Shanghai Shenhua 1-2 Tianjin Jinmen Tigers
The first round kicked off with Shanghai Shenhua hosting the powerful Jinmen Tigers. For Shanghai Shenhua, three strikers - Basogo, Mallet and Cao Yunding - led the way, while four foreigners - Yan Xinli, Amadou and Jiang Shenglong - started the match. Jinmen Tigers, on the other hand, have sent four foreigners, including Belichick, Barton and Merida, to form a powerful attacking lineup.
Xinjiang referee Mai Maidijiang enforced the law and Beijing Fu Ming served as VAR referee. Shanghai Shenhua was the first to break through in the 18th minute of the match when Malelai scored from an empty net. In the 36th minute, Cao Yunding's offside goal was blown. In the 63rd minute, Berridge scored on the heel of the ball and Jinmen Tigers equalized. In the 85th minute, Barton assisted and Jinmen Tigers completed the turnaround to beat Shanghai Shenhua.
Shanghai Shenhua were unfortunate not to be able to maintain their lead, while Jinmen Tigers won on the road to continue their unbeaten run and stay in the top four of the table.
Dalian 1-1 Qingdao Hainiu
The Barracuda Bay Professional Soccer Stadium in Dalian welcomed the Chinese Super League, where Dalian faced the visitors for the first time. Both teams are ranked second from the bottom with 8 points before the match, making it a difficult match. For Dalian, Manzocchi was the single striker, and three foreigners, including Tesonev and Bosanjic, started the match. Qingdao Sea Cowboys, on the other hand, sent Kang Gua and Forbes to partner the double striker, and Saric and other four foreigners started.
Jiangsu Maning was the referee and Guangdong Li Haixin was the VAR referee. In the first half, Qingdao Hainiu attacked more vigorously. In the second half, Forbes scored from a penalty kick to give Qingdao Hainiu the lead. In the 90th minute, Lin Liangming equalized and Dalian kept a point.
After this game, Dalian is at the bottom of the table with three consecutive draws. Qingdao Hainiu ended their five-game losing streak, but remain deep in the relegation zone.
Cangzhou Lions 2-1 Zhejiang
Cangzhou Lions host Zhejiang, with both teams looking to shake off the slump. For the Cangzhou Lions, Oscar, Locadia, and Owusu partner up front, while Wang Peng and four other foreign aiders start. Zhejiang team, Mu Xiekui single striker, Gao Di and other three foreign aid starters.
Beijing Guan Xing enforced the law and Xi'an Zhang Long served as VAR referee. Cangzhou Lions took the lead in the 6th minute of the match. In the 32nd minute, Zhejiang played with one man less. Cangzhou Lions extended their lead in the 45th+1st minute. In the 80th minute, Zhejiang equalized a goal. In the end, Cangzhou Lions managed to keep three points and temporarily moved up to 10th place.
Nantong Zhiyun 2-2 Meizhou Hakka
Nantong Zhiyun and Meizhou Hakka are both at the bottom of the table with 9 points. For Nantong Zhiyun, Gui Hong started with a single striker and three foreigners including Morellato. Meizhou Hakka, on the other hand, sent Yin Congyao single striker, Ye Chugui and other single foreigners to start.
Shanghai Wang Di enforced the law and Shen Yinhao acted as VAR referee. Meizhou Hakka took the lead in the 22nd minute. Nantong Jiyun equalized in the 49th minute. In the 70th minute, Meizhou Hakka suffered a blow when Yang Yilin was sent off with a red card. Nantong Zhiyun came close in the 90th minute, but ended up with a 2-2 draw.
It was a dramatic game, with both sides taking a point each and keeping their positions in the table unchanged. Both Nantong Zhiyun and Meizhou Hakka failed to escape the relegation zone, but both gained something from the game.
