Hohhot Edges Alxa in Seven‑Goal Thriller in Inner Mongolia Super League

Hohhot Team snatched a dramatic 3-2 victory over Alxa League Team on 21 June 2026 in an end‑to‑end encounter at the Hohhot Sports Centre. The hosts twice took the lead only to be pegged back, before a 78th‑minute header from substitute Li Ming settled a pulsating contest that kept fans on the edge of their seats throughout a humid evening in Inner Mongolia.

Match Overview

The game exploded into life inside the first ten minutes. Hohhot’s winger Wang Jie opened the scoring with a curling shot from the edge of the box in the 7th minute. Alxa responded instantly: a defensive mix‑up allowed striker Bao Erdeni to equalise from close range in the 12th minute. The frantic pace continued, with Hohhot regaining the lead through a powerful 35th‑minute header from centre‑back Zhang Wei off a corner.

Alxa refused to fold. On the stroke of half‑time, midfielder Naranbaatar unleashed a 25‑yard strike that flew into the top corner, making it 2‑2 at the break. The second half saw both teams tired, but Hohhot’s greater depth told. Substitute Li Ming, introduced in the 60th minute, rose highest to meet a cross from captain Chen Tao in the 78th minute, securing a memorable win.

Key Moments

• 7′ – Goal: Wang Jie (Hohhot) – Curling effort from the left wing.
• 12′ – Goal: Bao Erdeni (Alxa) – Poacher’s finish after a defensive error.
• 35′ – Goal: Zhang Wei (Hohhot) – Powerful header from a corner.
• 45+1′ – Goal: Naranbaatar (Alxa) – Long‑range screamer on the stroke of half‑time.
• 78′ – Goal: Li Ming (Hohhot) – Decisive header from a cross.

Tactical Story

Hohhot’s high defensive line was exploited twice by Alxa’s quick transitions, but the hosts’ superior set‑piece delivery proved decisive. Both full‑backs pushed high, creating overloads that eventually wore down the Alxa defence. Alxa’s midfield, though energetic, lost control in the second half as fatigue set in—a factor that manager Tuya will look to address in training.

Standout Players

• Li Ming (Hohhot): The super‑sub who delivered the winner with a perfectly timed run and header.
• Naranbaatar (Alxa): Scored a stunning equaliser and was a constant threat from deep.
• Wang Jie (Hohhot): Set the tone with an early goal and stretched the Alxa defence.

Season Impact

The victory propelled Hohhot into fourth place in the Inner Mongolia Football Super League standings, keeping their title hopes alive as they trail leaders Xilingol by five points. Alxa dropped to seventh, but their spirited display suggests they can climb away from the relegation zone with improved defensive organisation. Both sides will be back in action next weekend.