The first round of the postponed 2020 China Football Association (CFA) Cup kicked off in Dalian in northeast China's Liaoning Province on Friday, with defending champion Shanghai Shenhua lost to Guangzhou R&F 4-6 in the shootout.

Both sides performed slowly in the first half without any goals.

At the beginning of the second half, Shanghai Shenhua got a penalty, and Yang Xu took the lead in breaking the deadlock.

In the 80th minute, Guangzhou R&F tied the score thanks to Zhang Gong's goal from close range.

The two sides drew in regular time, and during the penalty shootout, Guangzhou R&F made all five free throws, but Qian Jie of the Shenhua team lost the first try as the ball hit the goal frame. 

In other games, Jiangsu Suning defeated Shenzhen KC 2-0, Shandong Luneng thrashed Dalian Pro 4-0, and Chinese Super League (CSL) champion Guangzhou Evergrande beat Henan Jianye 2-0.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, only clubs from the CSL and the second-tier Chinese league have qualified for the simplified version of the CFA Cup.

The other four games in Suzhou will be held on Saturday.

The first-round winners will participate in the second round with the second tier's top eight teams on November 26. The final will be held on December 19.

(With input from agencies)