In a heart-stopping conclusion to the inaugural Jiangsu Super League season, underdogs Taizhou defied expectations by defeating top-seeded Nantong 4-3 in a penalty shootout at Nanjing Olympic Sports Center. A record-breaking crowd of 62,329 spectators witnessed the historic match that capped six months of intense regional football competition.
The championship clash saw both teams create multiple scoring opportunities during regular time, but neither could break the deadlock. Nantong entered the final with an unbeaten record, while sixth-seeded Taizhou had already shocked fans with their improbable knockout stage performances.
Penalty drama unfolded as Nantong's first kicker missed the target, while Taizhou's players demonstrated composure honed through two previous shootout victories. The decisive moment came when Taizhou goalkeeper Dai Yaocheng saved Nantong captain Li Xiancheng's final attempt, sparking wild celebrations among players and supporters.
This victory marks a significant milestone for Jiangsu province's football development, showcasing the growing competitiveness of regional leagues in China. The tournament's success highlights increasing public enthusiasm for domestic football, with analysts predicting enhanced commercial opportunities for sports-related businesses in the Yangtze River Delta region.
