Henan FC 3-4 Beijing Guoan: Late Winner Caps Seven-Goal CSL Thriller

Beijing Guoan won a remarkable Chinese Super League contest 4-3 at Henan FC on 24 October 2026, with a late goal at Hanghai Stadium deciding a match that had already produced six goals, two lead changes and a string of momentum swings. The result gives Guoan a valuable away victory in the closing weeks of the season, while Henan are left to rue a defensive night that undid much of their attacking work.

The game was played at a high tempo from the first whistle. Henan tried to impose themselves at home, pressing aggressively and looking for quick combinations in the final third, but Beijing Guoan’s midfield found space between the lines and repeatedly turned defence into attack. By the time the sides reached half-time, the match had already established its pattern: Henan could create chances, but Guoan looked the more clinical side in transition.

Match overview

Beijing Guoan took the lead in the 12th minute when Zhang Yuning finished from close range after a flowing move down the right. Henan responded well and equalised on 27 minutes through Zhong Yihao, whose low shot from the edge of the area beat the goalkeeper after a neat lay-off. Guoan restored their advantage eight minutes before the break, Lin Liangming finishing a rapid counterattack, but Henan struck again in first-half stoppage time when Huang Zichang curled a free-kick beyond the reach of the goalkeeper to make it 2-2.

Henan carried that momentum into the second half and took the lead for the first time on 58 minutes. Fernando Karanga rose highest to meet a cross from the left and powered a header into the bottom corner, sending the home crowd into full voice. The advantage lasted only 16 minutes. Beijing Guoan equalised on 74 minutes when Cao Yongjing reacted quickest to a rebound inside the box, and the visitors then found the winner on 87 minutes through Zhang Yuning’s second goal of the match, a composed finish after Henan failed to clear their lines.

Key moments

• 12' — Zhang Yuning opens the scoring for Beijing Guoan after a sharp attacking move.
• 27' — Zhong Yihao equalises for Henan FC with a low strike from outside the box.
• 39' — Lin Liangming restores Guoan’s lead on the counterattack.
• 45+2' — Huang Zichang’s free-kick makes it 2-2 at the break.
• 58' — Fernando Karanga heads Henan into a 3-2 lead.
• 74' — Cao Yongjing levels for Guoan from a rebound.
• 87' — Zhang Yuning seals the 4-3 win with his second goal.

Tactical story

Henan FC’s approach was built on intensity. Their midfield pressed high, the full-backs pushed forward, and the front players looked to attack early crosses. That strategy produced two goals and several promising spells, but it also left large spaces behind the defensive line. Beijing Guoan were happy to absorb pressure and strike on the break, with their midfielders repeatedly finding pockets of space and releasing runners into the channels.

The decisive difference came in the final 15 minutes. Henan’s substitutions added energy, but the team’s shape became stretched as they chased what would have been a statement home win. Guoan’s bench contributed fresh legs in midfield and wide areas, helping the visitors regain control and create the late chance that Zhang Yuning converted. It was a classic case of a high-risk, high-reward performance from Henan and a more measured, ruthless one from Beijing.

Standout players

Zhang Yuning was the match-winner for Beijing Guoan, scoring the opener and the decisive late goal. His movement in the box troubled Henan throughout, and his second finish showed the composure of a striker in form. Lin Liangming’s pace and direct running were also important on the counter, while Cao Yongjing’s equaliser underlined Guoan’s ability to punish mistakes.

For Henan, Huang Zichang was the standout attacking force. His free-kick was the highlight of a brave individual performance, and he repeatedly carried the ball into dangerous areas. Fernando Karanga’s header gave Henan a deserved lead, while Zhong Yihao’s equaliser set the tone for a much-improved attacking display. In the end, however, Henan’s defensive errors proved too costly in a game where every mistake was punished.

What it means for the Chinese Super League table

The win strengthens Beijing Guoan’s position in the upper reaches of the Chinese Super League standings and keeps them firmly in the race for the top places as the season enters its final stretch. An away victory in a seven-goal thriller also gives the squad confidence for the run-in, especially with the attacking players finding form at the right time.

Henan FC remain in the middle section of the table,