Ningbo Professional FC 1–2 Guangdong Guangzhou Power: Visitors Rally for Comeback Victory in China League One

In a tightly contested China League One fixture on July 25, 2026, Guangdong Guangzhou Power overturned a first-half deficit to secure a 2–1 victory over Ningbo Professional Football Club at a packed home venue in Ningbo. The result keeps Guangdong firmly in the promotion chase while Ningbo must regroup after a second consecutive home defeat.

Match Overview

The match kicked off under humid evening conditions, with both sides eager to gain an early advantage in the league standings. Ningbo, who had struggled for consistency at home this season, came out with intensity. Their high press unsettled Guangdong's build-up play in the opening quarter, and they were rewarded with a fine goal in the 22nd minute. Striker Li Wei latched onto a through ball from midfielder Chen Peng and slotted calmly past the goalkeeper, sending the home fans into raptures.

However, Guangdong Guangzhou Power are seasoned campaigners in the second tier and quickly regained composure. They began to dominate possession through experienced playmaker Jorge Rojas, who dictated the tempo from central midfield. Just before half-time, a defensive lapse by Ningbo allowed Zhang Ming to equalize with a powerful header from a corner kick, making it 1–1.

Second Half Drama

The visitors came out strongly after the break, pinning Ningbo back in their own half. The winning goal arrived in the 68th minute when a swift counterattack saw Rojas slip a perfectly weighted pass to winger Liu Yang, who cut inside and curled a shot into the far corner. Ningbo pushed for an equalizer in the closing stages but were denied by a combination of solid defending and a sharp save from Guangdong goalkeeper Wang Lei in stoppage time.

Key Performers and Tactical Insights

For Guangdong, Jorge Rojas was the standout performer, not only providing the assist for the winner but also winning numerous duels and completing over 90% of his passes. Ningbo's Li Wei showed his predatory instincts with the opener, but his side lacked creativity after the break. Manager Zhou Hao will be concerned about his team's inability to kill off games from winning positions.

Table Impact

The victory lifts Guangdong Guangzhou Power to fourth place in the China League One standings, now just two points off the top two automatic promotion spots. Ningbo Professional FC drop to 10th, having taken only one point from their last three matches. The race for promotion remains extremely tight, with seven clubs separated by just five points at the halfway stage of the campaign.

• Goals: Li Wei (22') – Ningbo; Zhang Ming (43'), Liu Yang (68') – Guangdong
• Man of the Match: Jorge Rojas (Guangdong)
• Attendance: 8,432