Zhanjiang takes gold in Fucai Cup

Zhanjiang earned victory in the final of the Fucai Cup Football Competition held at the Zhanjiang Sports Center on Nov 12, by defeating Beihai 1-0.

The competition, forming part of the Beibu Gulf Sports Meet, got underway at 3:30 pm and saw the Beihai football team take the initiative from the starting whistle. Without getting into a panic, Zhanjiang pushed back using methodical counter-attacks.

The turning point of the game occurred when the Beihai goalkeeper failed to hold a shot, offering an opportunity for a Zhanjiang player to slot the ball into an empty net from close range. Zhanjiang became the first to break the deadlock and take the lead before half time.

The fierce confrontation continued in the second half, with both sides getting opportunities at goal. In the end, Zhanjiang kept its slight edge of 1-0 before the final whistle, beating the Behai team to take the title.

"I am proud of the players today, they have showed the fighting spirit of Zhanjiang football team," said Chen Weici, head coach of Zhanjiang, after the match. "Although the team was built in less than two months, players went all out in every competition. The title is the best return for them."

Zhu Qicheng, head coach of Beihai football team, took a conciliatory tone after the game. "The Beihai players tried their best today and we got more than a game. The sports meet was well organized, which provides a rare opportunity for brother cities to exchange opinions and pit skills against one another," he said.

With Zhanjiang and Beihai taking the first and second places, Haikou, Yulin, Fangchenggang, Maoming, Yangjiang and Danzhou were rated third to eighth in the tournament, respectively.