On August 23rd, an exciting competition came to an end in the first round of the AFC Cup, with 18 Central League One teams battling it out to determine the nine promotion spots. Surprisingly, this season's Central League leaders Nantong Jiyun failed to escape elimination.
In a fierce Dalian matchup, Suzhou Dongwu defeated Beijing Institute of Technology (BIT) 2-0, with player Kaiser taking the spotlight with two solo goals.
Zibo Cuju beat Shanghai Jiading Huilong 3-1 in a fierce duel, with 21-year-old Wang Hansheng selected as the best player of the match for his outstanding performance. It is worth mentioning that Wang Hansheng has trained in Spanish clubs such as Valencia and Yellow Submarine.
Qingdao Hainiu beat Heilongjiang Bingcheng 10-9 on penalty kicks in Nanjing.
In the Tangshan tournament, Shijiazhuang Kung Fu eliminated Nantong Zhiyun with a 2-0 win, with goals from Liu Tianyang and Rosario, one of the best of Shijiazhuang Kung Fu's youth training.
Kunshan defeated Liaoning Shenyang City 4-2, with youngster Abbott being honored as the game's best with two goals and an assist.
Jiangxi Beidaimen's battle with Xinjiang Tianshan Snow Leopard ended 4-3, with Jiangxi having the last laugh.
In Nanjing, Guangxi Pingguo Ha Loud and Clear beat Shaanxi Chang'an Athletic 1-0 in a matchup, while Sichuan Jiuniu beat Beijing North Physical Education University 4-2, with Xia Dalong scoring twice to become the best of the match.
Nanjing City beat Qingdao Youth Island 4-2 in the penalty shootout. Goalkeeper Hao Kesen made many successful saves and was honored as the best of the match for his key penalty kicks in the penalty shootout.
It is reported that the nine promoted teams will form the top 32 of the AFC Cup together with 18 Chinese Super League teams, three Chinese B teams and two Chinese Championship teams. The AFC will hold a draw ceremony for the top 32 on September 1, which will determine the matchups for the next matches.
