Dalian Kewei 2-1 Guizhou Guiyang Athletic: Late winner decides League Two thriller

Dalian Kewei edged Guizhou Guiyang Athletic 2-1 in Chinese Football League 2 on 17 October 2026, with a late goal settling a match that had swung back and forth throughout. The home side showed resilience after falling behind, equalising before half-time and then finding a winning goal in the closing stages to delight their supporters.

Guizhou Guiyang Athletic started the brighter of the two teams and took the lead inside the opening quarter of an hour. A quick move through midfield created space on the edge of the box, and a well-placed finish gave the visitors a deserved advantage. Dalian Kewei responded positively, raising the tempo and pressing higher. Their equaliser arrived before the break after a patient passing sequence ended with a low cross that was turned in from close range.

Match overview

The second half was a more open affair. Guizhou had chances on the break, while Dalian Kewei grew stronger as the game wore on, using the width of the pitch to stretch the away defence. The winning goal came in the 84th minute when a cross from the right was only half-cleared, and a first-time strike from the edge of the area found the bottom corner. Guizhou pushed for a late equaliser, but Dalian’s defence held firm through five minutes of stoppage time.

Key moments

• 13th minute: Guizhou Guiyang Athletic took the lead with a composed finish from the edge of the box.
• 36th minute: Dalian Kewei equalised after a low cross was converted at the back post.
• 61st minute: Guizhou’s goalkeeper made a strong save to deny a header from a corner.
• 84th minute: Dalian Kewei scored the winner with a first-time strike from just outside the area.
• 90+4th minute: A late Guizhou free-kick was headed wide as the home side held on.

Tactical story

Guizhou’s approach relied on compact defending and quick counter-attacks, and it worked well in the first half. Dalian Kewei struggled initially to break through the middle, so they began to attack more through the flanks. The introduction of fresh legs in wide areas changed the game, allowing Dalian to deliver more crosses and create second-phase opportunities. Guizhou’s defence dealt with much of the pressure, but the winning goal came from exactly the kind of half-cleared ball that Dalian had been chasing all afternoon. The home side’s willingness to shoot from distance ultimately made the difference.

Standout performers

Dalian Kewei’s match-winner deserves the headlines, but their goalkeeper also made a crucial save at 1-1 to keep the score level. The midfield partnership worked tirelessly to win back possession and feed the wide players. For Guizhou, the opening goalscorer was their most dangerous outlet, while the centre-back pairing produced several important blocks. Guizhou will be disappointed with the way they conceded the winner, but they showed enough to suggest they will be competitive in League Two this season.

League impact

The three points lift Dalian Kewei’s confidence and strengthen their position in the Chinese Football League 2 table, while Guizhou Guiyang Athletic leave empty-handed after a battling display. In a division where fine margins often decide promotion and relegation battles, late winners can be worth more than just a single result. Dalian’s ability to respond after conceding early will please their coaching staff, and the win gives them momentum heading into the next round.