Henan Team: Heading to Suzhou to Fight for the Glory of Central China

Reporter Luming reports On the evening of December 6, the final showdown of the 2025 FA Cup season is about to begin, with Henan Jiuzu Dukang facing Beijing Guoan in Suzhou for the decisive match. Henan started their preparations in November, traveling to Thailand for two warm-up matches during the break and playing a friendly against Shanghai Port after the league concluded. Reaching the FA Cup final for the first time is not only a chance for Henan to claim their first-ever FA Cup title but also the ultimate test of their resilience and meticulous preparation: from a tough start in the league to a late-season points surge, from surviving extra time to winning a tense penalty shootout in the cup, "hardship" has defined Henan’s entire season.

Henan’s journey to the FA Cup final began immediately after the semifinals ended. The club made thorough arrangements for the final, departing for Shanghai on November 28 and playing a warm-up match against Shanghai Port on the afternoon of November 29. In this 90-minute friendly, Henan fielded their full-strength lineup against an all-Chinese squad from their opponent. By around the 60th minute, Henan had already built a large lead. To preserve energy and avoid injuries, Ramos substituted key players, and the team ultimately won 6-2 over Shanghai Port.

This warm-up match was not a last-minute effort but part of a well-planned strategy. During the league break in November, Henan traveled to Thailand for a closed training camp to build fitness and refine tactics for the cup run. They played two warm-up games against Rayong and Thai Port, losing both, but the coaching staff used these matches to fine-tune details and, most importantly, maintain the players’ rhythm. Meanwhile, the fitness coach implemented precise recovery plans, the medical team provided continuous support, and the logistics staff ensured comprehensive backing in nutrition and other areas, allowing players to focus fully on preparation.

The importance of the FA Cup final was reflected in their preparation, but Ramos did not place any mental pressure on the players. Right after the league ended, the team visited the Henan Symphony Orchestra to watch a performance. Achimpong’s rendition of the "Can-Can Dance" went viral online, earning laughter and applause from fans. Ramos even took the conductor’s baton on stage, while Abdurosuli and Yelijiang performed traditional Xinjiang dances, reflecting the joyful atmosphere within the team and a relaxed mindset amid intense preparations.

Recently, forward Cardoso updated his social media, expressing gratitude to the club and fans while emphasizing that "this week is the most critical of the season," calling on the whole team to fight with courage, focus, and passion. This top-down unity, combined with the coaching staff’s tactical plans, helped Henan build a solid psychological foundation before the match.

The club has passed the milestone of thirty years and is one of the most passionate and historically rich teams in Chinese professional football. Fans eagerly hope the team can reach the pinnacle of glory. The past two years have been tough for Henan, frequently struggling near the league relegation zone. Reaching the FA Cup final now marks a new historic achievement, a miracle born from the team’s transformation after enduring hardship.

From knocking out then-league leaders Shanghai Shenhua on penalties in the quarterfinals to enduring a 120-minute battle at Chengdu Phoenix Mountain Sports Stadium in the semifinals, finally winning through goalkeeper Wang Guoming’s heroic saves in the shootout, this season’s league survival and cup progression have been marked by hardship. Yet Henan has shown resilience in adversity. When they secured their place in the FA Cup final, players flooded the field in jubilation, tears and cheers mingling to create a historic moment for Central China football. Throughout the cup run, Henan eliminated three strong teams—Zhejiang, Shanghai Shenhua, and Chengdu Rongcheng—each victory fueled by their fighting spirit against tough opponents and the power of teamwork.

In the league, Henan balanced relegation pressure with continuous tactical adjustments by Ramos, climbing steadily in the latter stages to secure safety well before the end of the season.

Facing a traditional powerhouse like Beijing Guoan in the FA Cup final, Henan may lack final experience but holds some psychological advantages. In recent years, Henan has been a "nemesis" for Guoan, achieving 2 wins, 1 draw, and 1 loss in their last four encounters. For the current Guoan, having exited the AFC Champions League early and lost the league title, the FA Cup might be their last chance to avoid a trophyless season, potentially igniting fierce determination. For Henan, this final carries even greater significance: winning would not only secure their first-ever FA Cup trophy but also qualify them for next season’s AFC Champions League, advancing the club’s future development and completing their transformation from a relegation-threatened team to a strong contender.

On the night of December 6, 2025, in Suzhou, the Henan team rising from adversity will battle for the honor of Central China football.