In Taishan Daily's latest report, an in-depth analysis of the prospects of Shandong's soccer team in the third round of the AFC Cup quietly unfolded.
With the drums beating for the third round of the AFC Cup, Shandong Taishan will face Dongguan Guanlian on the road on June 24th, while Zibo Qisheng will meet the challenge of Beijing Guoan at home on June 23rd.
As the defending champions of the F.A.C. Cup, Taishan are about to face Dongguan Guanlian on the back of their previous eight wins. Dongguan, who beat Dalian Zhixing on penalties in the last round, are currently ranked 11th in China's first division. boasting former international Feng Xiaoting, they are assisted by foreigners Onuebou and Raoul, but the overall strength of the team is not outstanding. With a 90-minute draw under the rules of the tournament leading to a penalty shootout, Taishan will need to capitalize on their chances and play with team spirit.
Zibo Qisheng, the Chinese B team eliminated Jinan Xingzhou in the penalty shootout in the last round, but has been mediocre this season, with 3 draws and 3 losses in 6 rounds of league matches, and has yet to taste victory. The presence of famous players such as Liu Guobo, Jin Pengxiang, Wang Xiaole and Liu Changqi in the team brings some strength to the team. Guoan's unexpected defeat in last season's FA Cup has raised expectations as to whether Zibo Qisheng can replicate this feat. Given that Guoan can't use foreign players and must play with a full Chinese squad, and the team's head coach Stanley has stepped down and Suarez has stepped in, this matchup is definitely more confusing.
