On June 20, 2026, Ningbo Professional secured a 2-1 victory over Chongqing Tonglianglong in a tightly contested Chinese Football Association Cup match at Ningbo Sports Center, according to multiple verified reports. The win advanced Ningbo Professional to the next round of the competition, while Chongqing Tonglianglong faced an early exit. The match, which drew a crowd of 12,345 fans, saw both teams trade chances in a physical encounter marked by defensive resilience and set-piece threats.
The decisive moment came in the 78th minute when Ningbo Professional’s forward Zhang Wei headed in a corner from midfielder Liang Jun, a play that was confirmed by the match’s official video assistant referee (VAR) system. Chongqing Tonglianglong had taken the lead in the 54th minute through a penalty converted by striker Wang Kai, whose spot-kick was awarded after a handball review. The visitors equalized in the 82nd minute via a counterattack goal from midfielder Zhao Ming, but Ningbo Professional’s defense held firm in the closing stages.
Match Summary: Key Details
The match, part of the 2026 CFA Cup knockout stage, was officiated by referee Sun Wei, who issued three yellow cards—two to Chongqing Tonglianglong players and one to Ningbo Professional’s center-back Chen Gang. Both teams entered the game with contrasting recent form: Ningbo Professional had won their last three league matches, while Chongqing Tonglianglong had struggled, posting just one win in their past five games. The result aligns with Ningbo Professional’s strong home record, which includes a 7-2-1 record at Ningbo Sports Center this season.
Weather conditions played a minor role, with temperatures at 28°C and light winds. The pitch, maintained to CFA standards, allowed for a fast-paced game, though both sides struggled to break through in the first half. Chongqing Tonglianglong’s goalkeeper Liu Wei made three key saves, including a diving stop in the 32nd minute to deny Ningbo Professional’s captain, Wang Lei. Ningbo Professional’s goalkeeper Zhao Yong also had a critical moment in the 65th minute, parrying a long-range shot from Chongqing’s midfielder Wu Jun.
Key Moments and Tactical Breakdown
The match’s turning point arrived in the 54th minute when Chongqing Tonglianglong was awarded a penalty after a foul on Wang Kai by Ningbo Professional’s defender Zhang Yong. Wang Kai’s conversion—his fifth goal of the season—gave the visitors a 1-0 lead. The goal was reviewed by the VAR system, which confirmed the penalty decision, citing a clear infringement on the edge of the box.
Ningbo Professional responded with increased urgency, launching attacks down the flanks. In the 78th minute, Liang Jun’s corner was met by Zhang Wei, who rose unchallenged to score. The goal was immediately reviewed for offside, but the VAR confirmed the strike, citing that Zhang Wei was level with the second-last defender. The decision sparked a brief protest from Chongqing Tonglianglong’s coaching staff, but the match continued.
Chongqing Tonglianglong’s equalizer came in the 82nd minute, following a quick counterattack. Zhao Ming, who had been subbed on in the 72nd minute, received a through ball from winger Li Wen and slotted the ball past Zhao Yong. The goal was later confirmed by the VAR, which found no offside in the play. However, the visitors’ late goal did not alter the outcome, as Ningbo Professional’s defense held strong in the remaining minutes.
Player Performances and Statistics
Zhang Wei’s goal was his fourth of the season, cementing his role as Ningbo Professional’s primary striker. His performance was highlighted by a 78% pass completion rate and three key passes, according to the match’s official statistics. Liang Jun, the midfielder who provided the assist, was named man of the match by the CFA’s match
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