Shanxi Xihua and Dalian Football School Settle for Point in CFA Women's League One

In the CFA Women's League One, the second tier of Chinese women’s football, Shanxi Xihua Women and Dalian Football School Women played out a stubborn 0-0 draw on July 17, 2026. The match, held at Shanxi Xihua’s home ground, featured two sides struggling for consistency but showing defensive discipline.

Match Narrative

Shanxi Xihua entered the match looking to build on a hard-fought victory the previous weekend. They started brightly, with winger Zhang Yuxuan testing Dalian’s defense with quick runs down the left flank. However, Dalian Football School, a team developing young talent through their academy system, organized well. Center-back Wang Lina led the defensive line with composure, cutting out crosses and clearing danger.

Dalian’s best spell came midway through the first half, when a free kick from deep found Liu Jing unmarked at the back post, but her header was straight at Shanxi goalkeeper Chen Mei. The second half followed a similar pattern: Shanxi dominated possession (61%) but failed to convert territory into clear-cut chances. Dalian grew increasingly defensive, and the game fizzled out in a flurry of offsides and tactical fouls.

Key Performers

• Chen Mei (Shanxi Xihua): The shot-stopper made two routine saves and commanded her penalty area effectively during set plays.
• Wang Lina (Dalian): The young center-back was composed under pressure, winning 10 aerial duels and making five clearances.
• Key Stat: Only three shots on target in the entire 90 minutes, highlighting the defensive dominance.

Table Context

The point nudges Shanxi Xihua up to 12th place in the 16-team CFA Women's League One, three points clear of the relegation zone. Dalian Football School remain in 14th, with just two wins all season. Both teams will need to find more attacking invention if they are to climb the standings. Shanxi travel to Zhejiang Women next, while Dalian host bottom side Yunnan Jiashijia.