Shanxi Xihua Women claimed a dramatic 3-2 victory over Dalian Football School Women in CFA Women's League One on 23 October 2026, turning a tense five-goal contest into a valuable away win. The match delivered exactly what the league has come to expect from these two sides: pace on the flanks, aggressive midfield pressing and a finish that kept the outcome in doubt until the final whistle.

Match overview

Dalian Football School Women started brightly in front of their home support, looking to impose themselves early with quick combinations down the right. The hosts were rewarded for their positive opening when they took the lead inside the first quarter of an hour, finishing off a flowing move that stretched the Shanxi back line.

Shanxi Xihua Women responded with composure rather than panic. Their midfield began to win more second balls, and the equaliser arrived midway through the first half after a sustained spell of pressure. From that point, the game opened up, with both teams trading chances before the interval.

The second half was a far more stretched affair. Shanxi edged ahead for the first time early in the period, only for Dalian to hit back and level the score again. With the contest seemingly heading for a draw, Shanxi found the decisive moment late on, converting a well-worked attacking sequence to take all three points.

Key moments

• 11th minute: Dalian Football School Women opened the scoring after a sharp move down the right and a calm finish inside the penalty area.
• 28th minute: Shanxi Xihua Women equalised following a spell of sustained possession and a close-range finish.
• 54th minute: Shanxi took the lead for the first time, capitalising on a turnover in midfield and attacking quickly.
• 71st minute: Dalian responded with a determined push and levelled the match again, setting up a tense final phase.
• 88th minute: Shanxi scored the winner, finishing off a patient attacking move that pulled the Dalian defence out of shape.

Tactical story

Dalian Football School Women were at their best when they played with width and tempo, forcing Shanxi to defend deep and defend in numbers. Their full-backs pushed high, and the front line rotated well to create space between the lines. The problem was that those advances also left them exposed when possession broke down.

Shanxi Xihua Women were content to absorb pressure in short bursts and then strike through the middle. Their midfield screen did an excellent job of closing the central corridor after the first 20 minutes, and their willingness to play forward quickly turned defence into attack. The winning goal was a clear example of that approach: patient circulation followed by a sudden acceleration into the box.

Standout performers

Shanxi's captain was central to the result, controlling the rhythm of the midfield and helping her side stay calm after falling behind. The Shanxi goalkeeper also made two important saves in the second half, including a low stop that kept the score level before the late winner. For Dalian, the right-sided attacker was a constant threat and played a key role in both of her team's goals, while the central defender produced several timely interventions despite the defeat.

Season impact

The three points give Shanxi Xihua Women momentum in the CFA Women's League One table and strengthen their position in the upper half of the standings. For Dalian Football School Women, the performance offered plenty of encouragement in attack but underlined the cost of conceding late in a match they had twice brought back to level terms. In a league where fine margins shape the race for places, this was a result Shanxi will value highly and one Dalian will want to move on from quickly.