Meizhou Hakka: Every Single Point Matters

Reported by Wang Wei On the evening of August 24, during the 22nd round of the Chinese Super League, Meizhou Hakka played at home at Wuhua Huitang Stadium against Zhejiang. Though they scored first and then fell behind, Meizhou showed great resilience in the second half to level the score, finishing 2-2. They had a chance to win in the second half, but Ngom’s goal was ruled out, leaving them with just 1 point. Although somewhat disappointing, this point is crucial for Meizhou, who are fighting to avoid relegation. After the match, Meizhou’s interim coach Qu Gang said, “This point against Zhejiang is very important for us. From the first to the last minute, the players showed great fighting spirit!”

Before the match, Qu Gang was mentally prepared for a tough game: “Zhejiang has been coached by a Spanish coaching team for several seasons, their style is stable and their teamwork is very coordinated. However, we have prepared well, focusing on details in training. Recently, the players have been training actively and seriously. I believe they are ready to perform their best at home and bring an exciting match to the fans.”

From the perspective of 17-year-old youngster Wei Xiangxin, Zhejiang is a strong team, but Meizhou is ready and hopes for a positive result, which naturally means “getting points or even winning.”

Before this round, Meizhou was just 1 point above the second-to-last team, Hainan Star. In terms of points, to move away from the relegation zone, Meizhou must find a way to earn points against Zhejiang.

Qu Gang deployed a 4-2-3-1 formation. The starting lineup included goalkeeper Guo Quanbo; defenders Liao Junjian and Morris as center backs, with Wang Jianan and Rao Weihui on the flanks; Jovicic and Liu Yun as double defensive midfielders; and Yang Chaoshen, Rodriguez, Ngom, and Omarsson forming the attacking line.

Zhejiang ranks in the top six of the Chinese Super League, boasting excellent players in both attack and defense. Although Meizhou played at home, the match was not easy.

After kickoff, Meizhou took advantage of their home ground to launch fierce attacks, frequently threatening the opponent on both wings. In the 4th minute, Meizhou’s cross caused the opposing goalkeeper to mishandle the ball. Omarsson turned and shot at an open goal but missed a golden opportunity. Meizhou kept pressing, and within the first 10 minutes, they had three highly threatening shots. Their all-out effort to earn points won cheers from the fans present.

What worried Meizhou fans was that captain Liao Junjian was injured in the 24th minute and had to leave the field. The fans responded with encouraging applause.
After the game, Liao Junjian said, “I was troubled by injury in the first half and couldn’t continue playing. The team adjusted the center back position during the first half, but fortunately, we didn’t lose.” In the 41st minute, a goal came — Meizhou earned a free kick, Ngom’s shot hit an opponent’s hand, and the referee awarded a penalty. Liu Yun calmly converted it, breaking the deadlock for Meizhou. However, in stoppage time of the first half, things changed dramatically as Meizhou’s defense made consecutive mistakes. Frank scored twice within 3 minutes, turning Meizhou’s lead into a deficit.

During halftime, Meizhou made adjustments, deciding to strengthen their attack, but Qu Gang told the players not to rush. At the start of the second half, he substituted left back Rao Weihui with Yang Yihu and replaced defensive midfielder Liu Yun with Deng Yubiao. Notably, this match marked Yang Yihu’s 100th official appearance for the club, and the team presented him with a commemorative jersey before the game.

In the 55th minute, Meizhou equalized — Rodriguez calmly scored with a low shot inside the box. After scoring, he was very excited and celebrated with a Turtle Style Qigong gesture. In the 76th minute, Rodriguez assisted Ngom for a goal that put Meizhou ahead. Unfortunately, VAR showed Rodriguez had handled the ball first, so the goal was disallowed. Afterwards, Meizhou launched even more aggressive attacks but ultimately failed to score again, finishing with a 2-2 draw against Zhejiang, earning 1 point.

After the match, Liao Junjian said, “Actually, we had a chance in the final moments, but we didn’t seize it. Zhejiang also missed some chances. For us now, getting 1 point is very important.”

Qu Gang told reporters, “I said before the game that it would be tough. Our players prepared thoroughly and showed fighting spirit at home, earning 1 point. I thank our players and all the fans who have supported us.”

The spirit Meizhou players showed under relegation pressure gave hope to their fans. After securing this crucial point, Meizhou’s points matched those of Xinpengcheng, and based on head-to-head results, they ranked 13th.