Guizhou Guiyang Athletic 1-0 Shanxi Chongde Ronghai: Home Side Grind Out Narrow China League Two Win

Guizhou Guiyang Athletic secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Shanxi Chongde Ronghai in Chinese Football League 2 on Saturday, 24 October 2026, with a second-half goal settling a tight contest at the Guiyang Olympic Sports Center.

The result gives Guizhou three valuable points in their push for a strong finish to the season, while Shanxi Chongde Ronghai were left to rue a lack of cutting edge in the final third. In a match of few clear chances, the home side’s patience and compact defensive shape proved decisive.

Match overview

Guizhou Guiyang Athletic started with intent, pressing high and forcing Shanxi into a series of early clearances. The home side dominated possession in the opening half-hour but struggled to break down a deep and disciplined Shanxi back line. Shanxi’s best moments came on the counter, but their final ball repeatedly lacked accuracy.

The decisive breakthrough arrived in the 64th minute. A quick exchange on the right flank released Guizhou’s attacking midfielder Chen Zihao, who drove a low shot across the goalkeeper and into the far corner. It was a goal that rewarded Guizhou’s persistence and lifted the home crowd.

Key moments

• 12th minute: Guizhou’s first real sight of goal, but a header from a corner drifted wide.
• 29th minute: Shanxi’s best chance of the first half, a low strike from the edge of the box, was saved comfortably by Liu Wenbo.
• 64th minute: Chen Zihao scored the only goal of the game with a composed low finish after a neat build-up on the right.
• 81st minute: Shanxi pushed men forward and won a dangerous free kick, but the delivery was headed clear.
• 90+3 minutes: Liu Wenbo made a late save to preserve the clean sheet and secure the win.

Tactical story

Guizhou set up in a 4-2-3-1 shape and used their midfield duo to control the tempo. Their full-backs pushed forward regularly, creating overloads on the flanks, but Shanxi’s back four remained well organised for long periods. The home side’s best work came through quick combinations around the penalty area rather than hopeful crosses.

Shanxi, by contrast, sat deeper in a 4-1-4-1 block and looked to spring forward on the break. The plan worked defensively for much of the match, but it left their striker isolated. When they did commit numbers forward late on, Guizhou’s midfield dropped back effectively to protect the lead.

Standout players

Chen Zihao was the match-winner for Guizhou Guiyang Athletic, showing composure in the decisive moment. Goalkeeper Liu Wenbo also deserves credit for a calm performance and a crucial late save. For Shanxi, centre-back Zhao Peng was among their best performers, repeatedly clearing dangerous deliveries and reading the game well.

Season impact

The win strengthens Guizhou Guiyang Athletic’s position in the Chinese Football League 2 standings and extends their solid home record. For Shanxi Chongde Ronghai, the defeat leaves them with little margin for error in their remaining fixtures as they look to climb away from the lower reaches of the table. The head-to-head result may also prove important if the two sides finish close together in the final standings.