Dalian K'un City edge Guangxi Hengchen in five-goal thriller

Dalian K'un City claimed a dramatic 3-2 win over Guangxi Hengchen in the Chinese Football League 1 on 24 October 2026, turning a tightly contested fixture into one of the most entertaining matches of the round. The home side twice surrendered the lead before finding a late winner, a result that strengthens their position in the promotion race and leaves Guangxi Hengchen ruing missed opportunities.

The match had all the ingredients of a classic League 1 encounter: early intensity, tactical adjustments, set-piece quality and a decisive moment late in the second half. Dalian's attacking ambition was rewarded in the end, but only after Guangxi had shown real resilience to fight back from behind on two separate occasions.

Match overview

Dalian K'un City started with purpose, pressing high and forcing Guangxi Hengchen into hurried clearances. The home side's dominance in the opening quarter was rewarded in the 18th minute when Liu Yuchen rose highest to meet a corner and powered a header into the net. It was a goal that reflected Dalian's early control, with their midfield winning second balls and their full-backs pushing forward to stretch the visitors.

Guangxi responded well, though, and began to find space in behind Dalian's advanced full-backs. Their equaliser arrived in the 34th minute through Huang Xin, who latched onto a quick counterattack and finished calmly past the goalkeeper. The goal changed the mood of the contest, and Guangxi finished the first half with growing confidence.

Dalian retook the lead seven minutes after the restart. Chen Haoran cut inside from the left and curled a precise effort into the far corner, restoring the home side's advantage and lifting the home support. But Guangxi refused to fade. In the 74th minute, Wei Lai converted from the penalty spot after a foul inside the area, setting up a tense final stretch.

The decisive moment came in the 88th minute. Dalian substitute Wang Zhen, who had been introduced to add energy in the final third, arrived at the back post to convert a low cross and send the home crowd into celebration. Guangxi pushed for a third equaliser in stoppage time, but Dalian managed the closing moments with composure to secure all three points.

Key moments

• 18th minute: Liu Yuchen heads Dalian K'un City in front from a well-worked corner.
• 34th minute: Huang Xin equalises for Guangxi Hengchen after a rapid counterattack.
• 52nd minute: Chen Haoran curls in a fine individual goal to restore Dalian's lead.
• 74th minute: Wei Lai converts a penalty to make it 2-2.
• 88th minute: Substitute Wang Zhen scores the winner for Dalian.

Tactical story

Dalian K'un City's approach was built on aggressive pressing and quick ball circulation in wide areas. Their midfield trio worked hard to deny Guangxi time on the ball, and the full-backs provided constant width. That strategy created chances but also left space for Guangxi's counterattacks, which the visitors exploited well for their first goal.

Guangxi Hengchen were at their best in transition. Huang Xin's movement caused problems throughout, and Wei Lai's ability to link play from midfield gave the visitors a platform to break forward. However, their defensive line struggled to deal with Dalian's deliveries into the box, and both of the home side's first two goals came from situations where Guangxi failed to clear their lines convincingly.

The game ultimately turned on Dalian's bench impact. Wang Zhen's late arrival gave the home side a fresh attacking threat, and his positioning for the winner was excellent. Guangxi, who had defended resolutely for much of the second half, were undone by a moment of fatigue and a failure to track the back-post runner.

Standout players

Liu Yuchen was a constant presence in the Dalian attack, opening the scoring and occupying the Guangxi centre-backs throughout. Chen Haoran's second-half goal was a moment of individual quality, while Wang Zhen's late winner underlined the value of Dalian's squad depth. In midfield, Dalian's captain Zhang Wei controlled the tempo and helped his side regain composure after both Guangxi equalisers.

For Guangxi Hengchen, Huang Xin was the standout performer. His equaliser was taken with real composure, and his runs in behind kept Dalian's defence honest. Wei Lai also impressed with his penalty and his link-up play, while goalkeeper Sun Kai made several important saves to keep his side in the contest.

Season impact

The victory gives Dalian K'un City a valuable three points in the Chinese Football League 1 standings, reinforcing their push for a promotion play-off place. With the season entering its decisive phase, the ability to win tig