In a nail-biting quarterfinal clash of the Chinese FA Cup, Henan FC edged past Shanghai Shenhua after a roller coaster 3-3 draw that led to an 8-7 penalty shootout victory. The match kicked off with Shanghai taking the lead in the 28th minute—new signing Luis Asue finding the back of the net with a slick assist from Joao Teixeira. Henan quickly responded as Felippe Cardoso leveled the score just five minutes later.
In the second half, Henan seized momentum with Frank Acheampong powering in a header to give them a 2-1 lead. However, substitute Wilson Manafa sparked a late revival for Shenhua with an 86th-minute equalizer, sending the game into extra time. Shenhua briefly reclaimed the lead when Liu Chenyu capitalized on a clearance mishap, but Cardoso’s determined second goal restored parity and forced a nail-biting penalty shootout.
The shootout was nothing short of dramatic. While Cardoso’s initial penalty was saved and Teixeira missed his chance for Shenhua, Henan’s goalkeeper Xue Qinghao was in sensational form—making key saves when it mattered most. In the decisive tenth round, midfielder Lu Yongtao’s conversion, paired with another stunning save from Xue, sealed an 8-7 victory for Henan FC.
Meanwhile, another quarterfinal battle unfolded as Qingdao Hainiu, reduced to ten men after Luo Senwen’s red card, faced Chengdu Rongcheng. Despite Chengdu’s setback with forward De Erijiaduo’s dismissal, they broke the deadlock in the 51st minute through a clinical finish by Wei. A second goal from the Chinese international in the 72nd minute, amid defensive lapses from Qingdao, ensured Chengdu’s 2-1 win.
Now, the stage is set for a highly anticipated semifinal showdown between Henan FC and Chengdu Rongcheng. Fans are buzzing for the next chapter in this FA Cup saga! ⚽🔥
Reference(s):
Henan triumph in nail-biting penalty shootout to reach FA Cup semis
cgtn.com
