Shanghai Shenhua and Tianjin Jinmen Tigers had an intense warm-up match at Kangqiao Base this afternoon in preparation for the upcoming AFC Cup which will kick off in the middle of the year. After four months of grueling rehabilitation, Shenhua's star goalkeeper Zeng Cheng finally returned to the field today after suffering two rib fractures in the fourth round of the league, contributing valuable strength to the team.
It is understood that the first two rounds of the main round of the FA Cup this season will implement a single elimination system, for this reason, Shenhua and Tianjin Jinmen Tiger warm-up match, the two sides agreed to the end of each 45-minute halftime penalty shootout, in order to simulate the possible FA Cup penalty shootout. At the same time, given that the first round of the AFC Cup opponents may come from the Central League, the two teams stipulated that each half can only send two foreign aiders on the field.
In the first half, both sides failed to break through each other's goal and the game was tied at 0:0. In the penalty shootout, Shenhua was defeated by Tianjin Jinmenhu 2:4. In the second half, Shi Yan of Tianjin Jinmen Tiger scored the first goal, and Shenhua equalized by Adrian through penalty kicks at the end of the game, and finally won 4:3 in the penalty shootout. In the second half, head coach Mao Yijun changed the lineup, and Zeng Cheng returned to the field after a long break, which is undoubtedly a big advantage for Shenhua to attack this season's F.A.C.A. Cup title. on September 29, Shenhua and Tianjin Jinmen Tiger will have a match.
It is reported that the draw for the main round of this season's F.A.C.A. Cup will also be held on September 29th, when Shenhua's first-round opponents will be revealed. At present, Guangzhou, Hebei and many other teams are plagued by financial problems, Guangzhou, Beijing Guoan and Shandong Luneng's main players are absent due to the national team call-ups, Shanghai seaport's Oscar, Lopez was injured in training, and the foreign aid lineup is unstable. From the point of view of staffing, Shenhua has a certain degree of competitiveness in this season's AFC Cup title race.
