Achimpeng, from "lone hero" to "team player"

Reporter Lumei reports In the 20th round of the Chinese Super League, Henan team won 4-1 against Shenzhen Xinpeng City at home. Once again, Achimpeng made his mark for Henan — in the 67th minute, Achimpeng scored with a low shot inside the penalty area; in the 77th minute, Yang Yilin's header was blocked, and Achimpeng scored on the rebound. In the last five matches, Achimpeng has scored six goals, totaling 11 goals in all competitions this season for Henan. Despite not being tall, Achimpeng has scored five headers, earning him the nickname "little aerial king" from fans. So far this season, Achimpeng has also earned seven penalties for the team and contributed to four goals from set pieces.

Once known for his "solo rides" to score goals, Achimpeng has become more versatile this season, completely breaking the preconceived notions people had about him. Recently, he gave an exclusive interview to our newspaper, where he discussed his transformation from a "lone hero" to a "team player," as well as his unwavering dedication after seven years of ups and downs in the Chinese Super League. Each of his goals vividly illustrates the essence of football as a combination of struggle and cooperation.

Achimpeng has vivid memories of facing Shenhua in the FA Cup and league matches. From the beginning, Henan viewed the FA Cup knockout match against Shenhua as a "final," not because of the opponent's strength, but because the team badge on their chest carries the expectations of all of Henan. The team's attitude towards every match has never wavered. Before the FA Cup match against Shenhua, Henan had encountered a series of winless games in the league, but this did not affect their full commitment in the FA Cup. Achimpeng and Xu Jiamin became key figures in Henan's two consecutive matches against Shenhua.

In matches played in quick succession, effective coordination is essential — the coaching staff needs to repeatedly refine tactical details, the medical team must develop recovery plans, and management must convey the belief that "every point of respect must be earned through hard work" to the players one by one.

Ramos sent out the strongest starting lineup in the FA Cup, and every player on the bench fought with all their might, transforming what could have been seen as a "meaningless" FA Cup into a stage to showcase team spirit.

In the FA Cup match against Shenhua, Henan fell behind first, then equalized, took the lead, and was finally caught up at the last moment. In extra time, they fell behind again but equalized, ultimately winning in a penalty shootout, with Henan emerging victorious. Achimpeng scored, and Xu Jiamin made crucial saves against the opponent's penalties. In Achimpeng's view, that match was not about individual brilliance but rather "the explosion of trust within the entire team." He said, "The penalty shootout is like two sides of a coin; you never know which side will land in your palm, but we all silently chanted, 'Xu, you can do it.'"

Achimpeng recalled the moment of the penalty shootout, stating that the players on the bench were even more nervous than those on the field. Some clenched their fists and stomped their feet, while others prayed towards the goal. "We repeatedly said that there are no 'bystanders' in the team; every person on the bench is part of the fight." It was this atmosphere of solidarity that elevated Xu Jiamin's saves beyond individual performance, embodying the spirit of teamwork, just as Achimpeng said, "At that moment, we all became his support."

Facing a Shenhua team with superior depth and paper strength, Henan maintained a clear awareness from the start. "We do not deny the gap in strength, but that is not a reason to give up." Achimpeng admitted that during the preparation phase, the coaching staff made it clear: avoid engaging in a battle of styles with the opponent and unnecessary exertion, but instead focus every ounce of energy on critical moments. This was particularly evident in the week of double matches. "In the league match, the team deliberately slowed down the pace in the first half to avoid early fatigue, gradually increasing intensity like 'pressing the gas pedal.' Even when trailing 1-3, the adjustments from the coaching bench were never frantic. It wasn't about blindly pushing forward, but rather using a combination of crosses from the flanks and central attacks to gradually stretch the opponent's defense."

The resilience that supports execution in high-intensity matches is ingrained in Henan football. "We are fighters from Henan; giving up has never been in our dictionary." Achimpeng spoke with a hint of pride. In the rematch against Shenhua, the physical fatigue of Henan players was evident, with many suffering from cramps due to the intense matches. However, the miracle of the FA Cup inspired the players to persevere, allowing the team to launch relentless attacks even when behind, with players on the flank dragging their cramping legs back on defense and forwards repeatedly charging in the box... Ultimately, they lost 2-3, a score that carried regret, but the various statistics from the match proved that this team's fighting spirit has never been extinguished.

At one point this season, Henan experienced multiple comebacks against them. Achimpeng admitted that such situations occurred too frequently, and players would carry mental pressure in the closing stages of matches, constantly fearing they would concede at any moment. To break this "curse," the coaching staff and sports director Mr. Bella held two special meetings. "Mr. Bella did not criticize anyone; everyone was trying to solve the problem. We began to understand that not being reversed is not just about luck, but about each person running an extra meter and the mutual understanding of teammates, requiring sustained focus." Achimpeng said that while the team may still make mistakes during matches, at least in terms of mentality, they have shifted from "fear of losing" to "daring to win."

After 20 rounds, Henan has accumulated 19 points, ranking 12th, still striving for relegation, but compared to the beginning of the season, there have been significant changes. What is precious is the spirit core forged by this team in adversity, treating every match with respect, supporting each teammate with trust, and resisting every crisis with resilience. As Achimpeng said, "There are matches we lost, but we have never lost to ourselves." This unwavering belief may be closer to the essence of football than any victory.

In the last five matches, Achimpeng has scored six goals, making him a key player for the team. His performance has somewhat overturned people's conventional perception of him. Previously, his most proficient scoring method was "solo rides," but now he can create seven penalties in the box, four set pieces from outside the box, assist teammates in scoring, and even score five headers despite being only 1.72 meters tall. He doesn't worry about his characteristics being recognized and familiarized by opponents because he has transformed through effort and intelligence.

"I am not a traditional center forward; I do not have a height advantage. My ability to score is simply because the team delivers the ball to where it needs to be." In the two matches against Shanghai Shenhua, he scored two headers. "What I need to do is to be in the right place at the right time. People often say I’m short and don’t jump high, but heading in football has never just been about height." He explained that it requires repeatedly studying teammates' passing habits in training, anticipating landing spots during matches, and even a half-step forward or adjusting posture in the air can be key to scoring.

In fact, Achimpeng did not expect to score so many headers. At the beginning of the season, the team's difficulty in scoring forced the forwards to find solutions to the problem. "When you work hard, luck will always be on your side," he said. When a teammate's cross is on point, he can always seize that fleeting moment like a precise missile in the crowd, a result of diligence and willpower.

Achimpeng has created seven penalties for the team, breaking his previous season record. He never attributes this solely to speed or physicality but mentions the mindset of troubling opponents, "I always think of ways to get into the opponent's penalty area, where every touch and every change of direction can cause defenders to make mistakes." In his view, the emergence of penalties is more like a psychological battle with opposing defenders, not a deliberate pursuit of physical contact, but rather through continuous breakthroughs, changes of direction, and feints, forcing opponents to commit fouls under pressure.

From the lone hero scoring with dazzling runs during his time at Tianjin and Shenzhen to now being an offensive all-rounder who can earn penalties and assist teammates, Achimpeng has completed a style transformation. "In the past, I may have needed to charge ahead in attack and carry the team forward, but in Henan, I have received more support." He acknowledged that he now understands that the essence of football is the "interlocking gears" of 11 players. When opponents use multiple players to restrict his breakthroughs, changing style is not a compromise but a smart way to create space for the team. Now, he cares more about how to make the team better, even if it's just attracting two defenders to free up space for teammates, it's still a contribution.

Having played in the Chinese Super League for over seven years, Achimpeng has been studied extensively by opponents, but he never worries. "They may know my strengths, but I am also more aware of their weaknesses." Years of experience in the league have honed his ability to "adapt to the situation." "If I see targeted defense against me, I will try to attack in a different way; I am never confined to one style. The essence of threat is to make it hard for opponents to predict your next move. Including my teammates collaborating more with me to share the pressure of being targeted."

This season, Achimpeng's transformation has allowed him to play more of a connector role in the team, capable of using speed to challenge the opponent's defense, linking attacks with passes at the edge of the penalty area, and even creating penalties at crucial moments to break the deadlock for the team. "No matter what role I play, it’s all for winning."

When he first arrived at Henan last year, the wave of skepticism was overwhelming, with comments like "declining speed" and "form no longer" — evaluations he rarely heard in his career. Achimpeng did not pay attention to these comments, "I understand them; after all, I missed winter training, and my condition was indeed poor." But he never doubted himself, "Even Ronaldo and Messi have fluctuations in form; no one would deny their abilities because of that. I know what I can do, and that’s enough."

During this winter training preparation period, from physical conditioning to technical refinement, he started from scratch like a newcomer, ultimately making everyone forget last season's disappointments with his goals and assists. "Football is like this; do what you need to do, and leave the rest to time."

At the beginning of the season, Henan also faced difficulties, but Achimpeng and his teammates gradually emerged from the low point. "The biggest change has been in team atmosphere and mental resilience." He particularly mentioned the changes brought by new coach Ramos, "It wasn't a revolutionary tactical adjustment, but rather making us mentally stronger, which is more important than any tactics."

In Achimpeng and his teammates' eyes, the team is on the right path, with foreign players and domestic players no longer isolated individuals but interlocking like gears. This mutual understanding of running for each other allows the team to show resilience even against strong opponents. "We may not be the strongest, but we are definitely the most united." Having experienced fierce relegation battles, Achimpeng knows that only unity can lead the team to its goals.

Achimpeng has been in the Chinese Super League for seven years, experiencing a lot; it has become the league where he has played the longest in his career.

"These seven years have been like watching a movie with dramatic twists and turns." In Achimpeng's memories, he holds the most thrilling moments of the Chinese Super League, when stars like Oscar, Tevez, and Lavezzi gathered on the field, and the roars of fans in the stands could shake the roof. "I especially felt that the atmosphere in Jiangsu and Beijing was the hottest. But later, due to the pandemic, we had to stay in one place for one or two months, training, playing, and isolating, living the same life repeatedly." The subsequent wave of salary cuts and payment delays led many familiar foreign players to leave, "Those top players who once fought alongside me gradually said goodbye, and the league indeed felt different."

Everyone had to face the retreat of money football, and Achimpeng also talked about the situation at that time, which he rarely mentions. "At that time, I was waiting for my salary every month, but it fell through time and again." As a pillar supporting future investments and community support in his hometown, unpaid salaries were not only a financial burden but also a blow to professional dignity. "You are clearly training and playing, giving your all, yet you cannot even receive what you deserve; in the end, the team even disbanded..." Players lost not only their salaries but also a period of time they poured their hearts into.

"I stayed because there are reasons here that make me feel secure." His wife and child have long fallen in love with life in China, and the familiar faces in the community and the camaraderie with teammates on the field have given Achimpeng a sense of belonging amidst the turmoil. "As long as the people around me are happy, I am willing to keep running." In his view, the changes in the Chinese Super League are like a mirror, reflecting the past chaos and the current resilience. "This year, the league has introduced many excellent players, and I believe it is slowly getting better."

Perhaps it is precisely because he has experienced the low point that he cherishes the present stability even more. "Timely salary payments, a healthy team atmosphere, and an environment that allows my family to feel secure — these simple things feel more solid than the past chaos." Achimpeng believes that the change in everyone's mentality is a reflection of the league returning from monetary bubbles to the essence of football.

After defeating Shenhua in the FA Cup, the scene of Achimpeng running to the away fans' section and doing two flips became one of the most touching moments of the season; this has always been his signature move. "I was indeed very excited at that moment and just wanted to run to the fans to celebrate, but on the way there, I saw the Shenhua badge on the ground, and I didn’t want to step on the opponent's emblem, so I rolled over to reach the fans, but I miscalculated the direction."

This purity is the unchanging essence of Achimpeng after seven years of ups and downs. He roars in joy when he scores and remains silent in defeat. "I want to make the people around me happy; even those who don't like me, there's no need for mutual hatred." In the profit-driven world of professional football, this sincerity has become his armor. From Tianjin to Shenzhen and then to Henan, three transfers, three fresh starts, Achimpeng can always quickly integrate into new environments, and he is willing to open his heart to embrace everything.

The shocking heel injury he suffered last year still tugs at his flesh and often causes him pain. "That injury was due to a careless ice pack; I was negligent, which made it worse. After that, I could only take painkillers to play, applying dressings to the wound to step on the field. But during matches, the effect of the medication often wore off, and the sharp pain would hit me immediately." Achimpeng said.

The former head coach did not like Achimpeng, which is not a secret in the team; this was the only time in his Chinese Super League career that he had a disagreement with a head coach. In such a situation, why persist in playing despite the injury? Achimpeng said, "He didn't like me, and I didn't like the way he treated me, but we cleared the air; everyone knew it wasn't about each other but about working for Henan." During that time, Achimpeng's performance fluctuated due to the pain.

Achimpeng remembers the moment he first arrived in the Chinese Super League when the cheers erupted as he charged with the ball; the league was like a flame igniting all his passion in his early twenties. Over the past seven years, the league has changed, and so has he. Looking at the new signings in this year's league, he feels hopeful: "It will get better, just like miracles always happen in football."

Over seven springs and autumns, Achimpeng and the Chinese Super League have achieved mutual success and witnessed each other. From chaos to tranquility, his story with the league has entered a new cycle.