Taizhou team advances to Suchao final

The Taizhou team celebrates its victory over Nanjing after the semifinal match of the 2025 Jiangsu Football City League. [Photo/Taizhou Daily]

The 2025 Jiangsu Football City League, or Suchao, semifinals took place at the Nanjing Olympic Sports Center on Oct 18, with the Taizhou team clinching a thrilling 9–8 victory over Nanjing in a tense penalty shootout, becoming the first team to reach the final.

During the regular season, Nanjing ranked second with 24 points, while Taizhou finished sixth with 18. The two sides had met once before, with Taizhou winning 3–0 at home.

The semifinal match between Taizhou and Nanjing is held at the Nanjing Olympic Sports Center. [Photo/Taizhou Daily]

Nanjing took control early in the semifinal match. In the 16th minute, its No 10 player Teng Shuai scored, giving the home team a 1–0 lead. Despite falling behind, Taizhou refused to give up, maintaining an aggressive pace and contesting every ball.

In the second half, Taizhou intensified its pressing and took advantage of Nanjing's fatigue to launch swift counterattacks. In the 71st minute, No 14 player Wang Zhenyu scored from a corner kick to level the match at 1–1. Neither team could find the net again in regular time.

The penalty shootout was nerve-racking, with both sides tied 4–4 after the first five rounds. In sudden death, a Nanjing player missed his shot, giving Taizhou a dramatic 9–8 overall victory and a ticket to the championship final.

The semifinal match between Taizhou and Nanjing is held at the Nanjing Olympic Sports Center. [Photo/Taizhou Daily]

Taizhou will face the Nantong team in the final on the evening of Nov 1.