Report by Wang Wei On the evening of March 14, the opening ceremony of the 2026 China League One season was held at Guangzhou Yuexiushan Stadium. Li Kemin, Chairman of the Chinese Football Association League Committee, declared the league open. In the following opening match, Guangzhou Leopard achieved a 2-0 home win against Ningbo team, thanks to a first-half penalty by Nikon and a strong strike from new foreign signing Tudor, marking a successful start to the season.

Yang Hao's Bravery, 35 Stitches on His Brow

This League One opening match attracted over 9,200 fans, setting a new home attendance record for Guangzhou Leopard. Head coach Feng Feng stated: "We greatly appreciate the fans' support. I hope Guangzhou's football atmosphere continues to recover, and that our team plays attractive football to bring fans back to the stands. Guangzhou football needs higher-level teams, and our entire squad and club are striving tirelessly for this goal."

The opening victory is the best reward for the team's hard work. Feng Feng said: "This match was essentially an encounter battle, as both sides had significant personnel changes and the opponent's overall strength improved. Thanks to all players' efforts, we won this tough game."

After the match, a reporter asked whether publicly stating the goal of promotion to the Super League early would make the team a target and increase pressure. Feng Feng replied: "Pressure is inevitable. What we need to consider now is how to turn pressure into motivation, focus better on our work, and find more and better ways to handle various issues during matches."

Regarding Guangzhou Leopard players' dedication, Yang Hao is a prime example. Shortly after the second half began, Yang Hao suffered a brow injury but continued playing until being substituted in the 69th minute. Post-match reports revealed his brow required 35 stitches. When photos of his wound reached the club from the hospital, everyone was shocked, some even hesitant to look closely.

New Signings Score, Bench Depth Strengthened

In this match, Guangzhou Leopard started four new signings: foreign players Tudor and Kamara, and domestic recruits Liao Junjian and Wang Haobin. In the second half, new domestic players Wang Junjie, Liu Bin, and Xiao Kun also entered the field. Coach Feng Feng utilized seven newly recruited players throughout the game, while last season's retained players Wang Jianming and Liang Xuoming came on as substitutes in the second half.

The new signings all contributed: Tudor scored a goal, Kamara created a penalty and initiated the second goal, 19-year-old Wang Haobin assisted Tudor, and Liao Junjian demonstrated his capability at center-back, forming a solid defense with Jiang Jihong and Han Xuan ahead of the goalkeeper.

This season's new domestic signings Gao Huaze, Liu Langzhou, and Wang Jingbin were on standby on the bench, while retained players Deng Biao, Ma Junliang, and former U17 national youth player Jiang Zhiqin did not play. Deng Biao, Ma Junliang, and Jiang Zhiqin played many matches last season; Gao Huaze and Liu Langzhou also had considerable league appearances. Considering the substitute lineup, Guangzhou Leopard's bench depth has significantly improved this season, with intense competition for positions within the team.

Feng Feng said: "The two new foreign players performed excellently. Tudor scored and served as a key pivot upfront. Kamara had many opportunities, narrowly missing. Young players Wang Junjie and Wang Haobin showed great vitality; I believe their form will keep improving." Regarding bench depth and internal competition this season, Feng Feng stated: "We always hope for healthy internal competition; everyone should contribute to the team's overall interests. With more players of different types and characteristics joining, we can arrange different players based on various opponents."

Harmonious Integration, Boosting Foreign Players' Form

In the 23rd minute, Guinean international Kamara created a penalty for Guangzhou Leopard. When everyone expected him to score his first goal for the team, he handed the penalty-taking duty to Nikon. Post-match, when asked why he didn't take it himself, Kamara cheerfully said: "Nikon is my captain; I trusted him to handle it. I'm happy with tonight's win. Although I wanted to score, the team's victory matters most; who scores isn't important." Hearing this, Nikon smiled and patted his shoulder.

From the match, it's clear that although Kamara joined late, he integrated quickly. Not scoring in his debut was merely a matter of luck.

After Kamara arrived, Nikon, who joined last year, introduced him to the team and often took him around Guangzhou on rest days. Nikon has brought his family to Guangzhou, stabilizing his life there, providing a warm environment for his full commitment to Guangzhou Leopard. As Tudor and Kamara's families arrive, they will adapt faster to Guangzhou life. To help foreign players focus on the team and adjust quickly, Guangzhou Leopard club hired translators specifically to assist Nikon and other foreign players and their families in daily life in Guangzhou.