Ending a six-game winless streak with minimal effort, Tongliang Dragons return to second place in the standings

Reporter Lu Mi reports 1-0, Tongliang Dragons beat Hainiu on the road, not only ending a six-game winless drought but also securing three points with high efficiency, regaining second place in the CSL standings. The substitute foreign forward Kenpannu delivered the decisive strike, playing a crucial role in this match and helping the team emerge from its recent slump.

Before this round, Tongliang Dragons had gone six league games without a win, affecting their attacking efficiency and points-gathering rhythm, while also dealing with fitness and injury issues. Hainiu, playing at home, aimed to secure points to escape their own struggles. Facing this scenario, Tongliang Dragons head coach Liu Jianye made every move—from lineup selection to in-game adjustments—aligned with the match's flow, fully executing his tactical plan.

In this match, attacking core Kenpannu started on the bench, and starting defender Lu Kang was sidelined due to injury. Tongliang Dragons aimed to solidify their defense first and then assess the situation in the second half.

Hainiu's forward line, led by Yeboah, launched attacks from the opening whistle, frequently advancing the ball to the flanks after midfield possession. Tongliang Dragons retreated en masse, forming a tight defensive block, using compact defense to limit the opponent's space. Although Hainiu controlled the game and created numerous chances—attempting to break through via wide crosses and central penetration—they failed to find the net. Their best opportunity came in the first half when Messaoudi's shot struck the crossbar heavily.

Tongliang Dragons managed only three shots in the first half, with two on target, still prioritizing efficiency. Judging by the first half, Liu Jianye's tactical approach was fully implemented: the team withstood Hainiu's onslaught and kept a clean sheet.

At the start of the second half, Liu Jianye brought on Kenpannu to challenge Hainiu's defense, aiming for all three points. After Kenpannu's introduction, Tongliang Dragons' attacking threat significantly increased; their counterattacks became faster and more dangerous, at one point putting Hainiu on the back foot.

In the 63rd minute, Kenpannu received the ball in the attacking third and, faced with two defenders closing in, did not force a breakthrough but calmly adjusted his angle and struck a precise curling shot into the top corner, leaving the goalkeeper with no chance. That wonder goal was the only score of the match.

Thanks to Kenpannu's strike, Tongliang Dragons beat Hainiu 1-0 away, earning three points. This victory was highly significant—it not only ended the team's six-match winless streak but also propelled them back to second place in the standings.

Beyond its significance, this match also boasted high "cost-effectiveness." Before the game, Liu Jianye deliberately rotated the squad: Lu Kang was out injured, and Kenpannu started on the bench, giving key players a rare rest opportunity and alleviating the physical strain and injury risks from a congested schedule. Despite the rotation, the team still managed to secure a crucial three points, striking a balance between rest and points accumulation.

Post-match statistics showed that Tongliang Dragons had only five shots in total, with four on target—an 80% shot accuracy rate. This reflects Liu Jianye's long-standing pragmatic approach: achieving a vital win with minimal expenditure.

After the match, Liu Jianye breathed a slight sigh of relief. He said the game was tough for both sides, given the three matches in a week, leaving players exhausted and the quality of play not ideal. "But we capitalized on one of the few chances we had. To earn precious three points away from home, I want to thank the players. They gritted their teeth throughout the match, refusing to give up. This spirit deserves praise. Thank you all for your efforts in securing this hard-fought victory."

Kenpannu was undoubtedly the standout performer. He became the absolute hero who broke the deadlock and sealed the win, influencing the attack throughout. Coming off the bench, he showcased exceptional individual ability and value in limited minutes. That wonder goal was the ultimate display of his personal skill and the best proof of his tactical importance to the team. As the attacking core, Kenpannu possesses the ability to operate individually—he can hold the ball, break through defenses, and finish clinically at crucial moments, making him the most consistent scoring threat in Tongliang Dragons' attack.

"The team hasn't won for a while, but I felt we were about to find our form," Kenpannu revealed. "I sensed we could take this match before it started. In the end, we smoothly got the three points. I hope we can continue this performance against Guoan next round."