WEINAN, China, April 17 -- Chang'an Athletic beat Xinjiang Tianshan 5-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw here on Wednesday, securing safe passage to the fourth round of this year's Chinese Football Association (CFA) Cup.
In last year's edition, Chang'an narrowly lost 1-0 to 2018 Chinese Super League winners Shanghai SIPG in the fourth round. In Wednesday's match, the home team pitched a 3-4-3 formation and sought to dominate the game from the start. By contrast, Xinjiang team set out their stall to defend, looking to score from quick counterattacks.
After a goalless first half, Wang Xiaolong broke the deadlock for the home team in the 50th minute with a fantastic volley. Ma Yangyang might have made it 2-0 in the 66th minute, but the 21-year-old screwed his shot wide after going one-on-one with Xinjiang goalkeeper Ding Runshan.
Chang'an were made to pay for their profligacy when Ermek Talaphan of Xinjiang equalized in the 81st minute. The home team almost netted a winner just before the final whistle, but Pang Zhiquan's close range effort was denied by Ding.
Into the penalty shootout, Mai Sijin was the hero for Chang'an, netting the decisive spot-kick to seal the win for the home team after Zhang Ao had missed his penalty for Xinjiang.
"Many of our players made their season or career debuts today, I'd like to congratulate them," said Chang'an head coach Zhang Jun.
The home side may now face a CSL side in the next round.
"Our objective for this season is avoiding relegation to China's third tier. But I'd like to play a first choice side in the next round, and challenge a CSL rival." Zhang said.