From June 22 to 25, 2023, the China FA Cup was in full swing, with 16 Chinese Super League (CSL) teams in action, but Chengdu Rongcheng, Cangzhou Lions, and Shenzhen failed to make it past the third round. Meanwhile, Chongqing Tongliang Dragons, Nantong Haimen Kotanyi from the lower league and Qingdao West Coast's "Below Victory" from the Chinese League One stood out to challenge the Chinese Super League teams. In particular, Tongliang Dragons and Kejian Yuan will face each other directly in the fourth round, with the winners expected to make it to the last eight.
The "Dark Horse" of the Lower Teams
On June 23rd, Chongqing Tongliang Dragons hosted Chengdu Rongcheng in a 90-minute battle and won the penalty shootout 4-2, while Chengdu Rongcheng unexpectedly went out of the tournament. Previously, Tongliang Dragons swept Shijiazhuang 3-0 in the second round, showing their dark horse character. Nantong Haimen Kotanyi advanced to the fourth round after a 1-1 draw at home against Shenzhen and a 6-5 win on penalties.
New Coach's FA Cup Journey
This round of the FA Cup saw a number of new coaches make their debut, with the changed teams performing equally well. Beijing Guoan under the leadership of Suarez managed to advance with a narrow 1-0 win over Zibo Qisheng. Wuhan Sanzhen, under the guidance of coach Gao, showed strong offensive firepower with a 5-1 win over Jiangxi Lushan. Nantong Zhiyun, under the coaching of Barcelona star Garcia, beat Heilongjiang Bingcheng 3-0 on the road, ushering in a perfect start to their coaching career.
Shenhua nearly in a desperate situation
Yunnan Yukun, led by Shi Jun, failed to blow the game away, but in the battle with Shenhua, Yukun was once ahead, and Shenhua showed strong psychological qualities in the face of adversity, and eventually made a thrilling comeback with a header from Fernando and a goal from veteran Yu Hanchao.
Fourth round matchups revealed
After intense competition, the matchups for the fourth round of the 2023 CFA Cup have been released. 8 matches will be played on July 25-26, still under the single-elimination system. According to the rules, the higher-ranked team from different tournaments will get the home field advantage; among the teams from the same tournament, the lower-ranked team from last season's league will be prioritized for home field.
In the first half of the zone, Dalian People will face Henan, Qingdao West Coast hosts Beijing Guoan, Meizhou Hakka hosts Shandong Taishan, and Shanghai Port challenges Tianjin Jinmen Tiger on the road. In the second half, Nantong Zhiyun hosts Wuhan Sanzhen, Changchun Yatai is away to Qingdao Hainiu, and Zhejiang is away to Shanghai Shenhua in a Yangtze River Delta derby. Chongqing Tongliang Dragons and Nantong Haimen Kotanyi will play a direct match between the Chinese B teams, with Tongliang Dragons prioritizing home field advantage.
