Ningbo Professional Football Club 1–2 Guangdong Guangzhou Power
Chinese Football League 1 | July 25, 2026, 19:00 local

Guangdong Guangzhou Power made a decisive midweek statement in the Chinese Football League 1, edging out Ningbo Professional Football Club 2–1 on the road. The victory lifted the visitors into a stronger position in the promotion race, while Ningbo were left to rue missed chances after a spirited second-half response.

First-half dominance from the visitors

Guangdong Guangzhou Power controlled much of the opening 45 minutes with crisp passing and aggressive pressing. Their breakthrough came in the 23rd minute when a sweeping move down the right flank ended with a clinical finish from striker Li Wei, who slotted home from 12 yards. The visitors doubled their advantage just before half-time when midfielder Zhang Yang unleashed a powerful drive from the edge of the box that beat the Ningbo keeper at his near post.

Ningbo fight back but fall short

The home side emerged with renewed energy after the interval. Manager Chen Hao’s tactical adjustment pushed more bodies forward, and it paid off in the 58th minute when a corner kick was headed in by veteran defender Wang Lei. Ningbo pressed for an equaliser, creating a handful of half-chances, but the Guangdong Guangzhou Power defence held firm. The hosts’ best opportunity came in the 82nd minute when substitute forward Liu Tao saw his fierce shot tipped over the bar by goalkeeper Yang Fei.

Match impact and league context

With this result, Guangdong Guangzhou Power climbed to third place in the Chinese Football League 1 standings, just two points behind the automatic promotion spots. Ningbo, meanwhile, slipped to ninth, seven points adrift of the top four. The visitors will hope to build on this momentum when they host a struggling side next week, while Ningbo face a tricky away trip as they try to reignite their season.