Shijiazhuang Gongfu 0–1 Meizhou Hakka | Chinese Football League 1 | May 24, 2026

Meizhou Hakka grinded out a gritty 1–0 away victory over Shijiazhuang Gongfu in a tightly contested Chinese Football League 1 fixture at the Yutong International Sports Center on Sunday evening. The result pushed Meizhou Hakka further into promotion contention while leaving Shijiazhuang Gongfu searching for answers after another frustrating home performance.

Match summary

After a scoreless first half that saw both sides cancel each other out in midfield, the decisive moment arrived just past the hour mark. Meizhou Hakka's attacking pressure finally paid off when a well-worked set piece was turned in from close range—enough to separate the two sides on a night when clear-cut chances were at a premium.

Shijiazhuang Gongfu pushed hard for an equalizer in the final 20 minutes, throwing bodies forward and testing the Meizhou backline, but the visitors held firm. The clean sheet was Meizhou's fifth of the season, underlining their defensive solidity as a key weapon in the promotion race.

Tactical overview

Shijiazhuang Gongfu, playing in front of their home support, began with an aggressive 4‑3‑3 shape and looked to stretch Meizhou's compact defense through wide crosses. However, they lacked the final touch in the final third. Meizhou Hakka, by contrast, sat deeper in a 4‑2‑3‑1 and relied on quick transitions—a strategy that eventually yielded the winning goal.

• Key moment: 62nd minute – Meizhou Hakka's forward latched onto a half-cleared corner and blasted past the Shijiazhuang goalkeeper.
• Shijiazhuang's best chance: A 78th‑minute header from a corner that sailed just over the crossbar.
• Discipline: Four yellow cards issued in total, two for each side, reflecting a physical contest.

Standings impact

The victory lifted Meizhou Hakka into the top three of the China League 1 table, breathing down the necks of the automatic promotion places. For Shijiazhuang Gongfu, the defeat leaves them in mid-table, now four points adrift of the playoff spots. Manager Zhang Xiaofei will need to address a recurring lack of cutting edge at home—his side has managed just two goals in their last four matches at the Yutong Sports Center.

What's next

Shijiazhuang Gongfu face a tricky away trip to Heilongjiang Ice City next weekend, while Meizhou Hakka host Guangxi Pingguo Haliao in a must‑win fixture to keep the pressure on the league leaders. With the second‑tier season entering its decisive stretch, every point counts.