Henan rising star Gao Tianyi (front right) and Chengdu Rongcheng foreigner Aixon have a fierce confrontation in the arena.
The long-silent Nautical Stadium was revitalized, and on the night of April 16th, the renamed Henan soccer team ushered in the first match of the 2023 Chinese Super League season at its home ground, facing the notoriously strong Chengdu Rongcheng. After a fierce battle, Henan, supported by more than 10,000 enthusiastic fans, was once behind, but with a header from foreign aid worker Adrian, the team finally drew 1-1 with their opponents, taking a point each.
In this game, Henan head coach Sarko boldly lined up Huang Zichang and Chen Keqiang to partner Adrian to impact the opponent's defense, while Shunyiqi to stabilize the back. Captains Wang Shangyuan and Pina, as well as midfielder Gao Tianyi, threaded the needle at center back. Chengdu Rongcheng's attacking group is not to be underestimated either, with Felipe, Romulo and Ekson forming a very sharp front line.
At the beginning of the match, both sides were playing back and forth, with frequent changes in offense and defense. In the 27th minute, Eckerson's ball was skillfully distributed in the middle of the field, Romulo was skillfully blocked by Shuniqi, and Tang Miao got the ball and shot with his left foot, the ball flew into the lower left corner of the net, giving Chengdu Rongcheng a 1-0 lead. The morale of Chengdu Rongcheng was high after taking the lead, and Eckerson missed many good chances. At the end of the half, Henan was trailing 0-1.
In the second half of the match, Henan team adjusted tactics, Luo Xin replaced Li Songyi. In the 56th minute, Henan team got a free kick opportunity, Adrian left-footed curved ball, the ball over the wall and drilled into the net, Henan team 1-1 equalization. Later, both sides made personnel adjustments. In the 68th minute, substitute Luo Xin tried to break through, but offside first, the goal is invalid. In the end, the two teams shook hands with 1-1.
After the game, Sarko commented on the game, "It was the first game of the season and everything is not easy to start. We played quite well and I'm sure the rest of the game will be even better. The team was a bit nervous in the opening period, probably because of the long period of time. The team's rhythm was slow in the first half, but after the halftime adjustments, the team stepped up its attack in the second half and, with the support of the home fans, managed to equalize the score and even had a chance to win three points. I am very satisfied with the content of the game."
On the 21st, Henan will once again sit at home to face the promoted horse Qingdao Hainiu.
In other matches yesterday, Shanghai Shenhua hosted Shandong Taishan. In the 39th minute, a pass from Wu Xi accidentally turned into a shot, and the ball went into the net, giving Shenhua a 1-0 win and ushering in the start of the new season. Shenzhen beat Qingdao Hainiu 2-1 at home to get their first win of the new season. Tianjin Jinmen Tigers and Cangzhou Lions fought a fierce battle. Locadia scored the first goal in the first half, and Barton equalized in the second half, finally the two teams drew 1-1.
