Guangzhou EP and Dongguan United Share Points in League One Draw
Guangzhou EP and Dongguan United played out a 1-1 draw in League One's Regular Season round 17 on Friday. The result keeps the hosts top of the table while Dongguan United remain rooted in 16th place. Both sides had chances to take all three points but neither could find a winner in what was a tightly contested affair.
Xiao Kun gave Guangzhou EP the lead just before the break when he fired home in the 45th minute. The goal came as the first half was winding down, and it was a moment that seemed to settle the hosts into their rhythm. Xiao Kun was then substituted off at the same interval, which is unusual but not unheard of in modern football.
Dongguan United responded after the restart with renewed urgency. Nicholas Benavides Medeiros found the net in the 75th minute to level the scores and send the visitors' supporters into a brief celebration. The Brazilian attacker had been waiting for his moment and took it when it finally came.
There were three yellow cards in the match, with Huang Yonghai, Liao Junjian and Ge Yifan all booked. The bookings came at different stages of the game, suggesting periods of tension rather than any single flashpoint. Several substitutions were made by both managers as they tried to shift the momentum.
Guangzhou EP's position at the summit of the table reflects their consistency over 22 games. They have won 15, drawn five and lost just two to accumulate 50 points. Dongguan United, by contrast, have only managed two victories from the same number of matches and sit 38 points adrift of their opponents.
The draw does little to change the trajectory of either team's campaign. Guangzhou EP will want to build on their recent form, which has seen them win three of their last five matches. Dongguan United need to find a way to break their losing streak, having gone five games without a victory.