Shanghai Port B 2-3 Tai'an Tiankuang: Late drama hands visitors vital victory in China League Two

Tai'an Tiankuang produced a spirited second-half fightback to secure a 3-2 win over Shanghai Port B at a rain-soaked venue on 26 July 2026. The result keeps Tai'an firmly in the promotion playoff chase, while the young home side were left to rue missed chances after leading twice in the opening hour.

Match Overview

The fixture, part of the 2026 Chinese Football League 2 season, saw the home side take an early lead through a well-worked set-piece in the 12th minute. However, Tai'an responded with quick counter-attacks and equalised before the half-hour mark through striker Liu Jiaming. Shanghai Port B restored their advantage just before the break with a clinical finish from promising academy graduate Wang Zihao, making it 2-1 at halftime.

The second half belonged entirely to the visitors. Tai'an's midfield gained control, and they levelled in the 63rd minute when a deflected shot from outside the box found the net. With the game heading towards a draw, Tai'an struck in the 84th minute – a looping header from a corner that left the Shanghai Port B goalkeeper helpless.

Key Moments

• 12' – Goal: Shanghai Port B's central defender heads home from a corner, 1-0.
• 27' – Equaliser: Liu Jiaming fires low past the keeper after a through ball, 1-1.
• 44' – Port B retake lead: Wang Zihao finishes on the counter, 2-1.
• 63' – Tai'an level again: Deflected strike from 25 yards beats the keeper, 2-2.
• 84' – Winner: Substitute Zhang Wei rises highest from a corner, 2-3.

Tactical Story

Shanghai Port B, fielding a mix of reserve and youth players, started with high energy and pressed aggressively. Their first-half goals came from direct play – set pieces and counter-attacks. Tai'an Tiankuang struggled to cope initially but adjusted at halftime by pushing full-backs higher and forcing turnovers in midfield. The visitors' fitness and experience told in the final quarter, as they created three clear chances and took two of them.

Standout Performers

Tai'an's midfield general, captain Li Wei, controlled the tempo and provided the assist for the equaliser. For Shanghai Port B, 19-year-old winger Chen Yuxuan showed flashes of brilliance but faded as the game wore on. Tai'an's substitute duo of Zhang Wei and on-loan striker Han Peng made the decisive impact off the bench.

Season Impact

The victory lifts Tai'an Tiankuang to fourth in the China League Two standings, now just two points behind the promotion playoff places with five games remaining. Shanghai Port B remain in the lower half of the table, having now lost three of their last four matches. Their focus will shift to developing young talent, but head coach Li Tie will be concerned about defensive lapses in the closing stages of matches.

Match details: Chinese Football League 2, 26 July 2026, kick-off 16:30 local time.