Dalian Yifang reach Chinese FA Cup semi-finals

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Dalian Yifang beat third-tier Sichuan Jiuniu 2-0 in the second leg of the Chinese F.A Cup quarterfinals, and are into the semifinals 5-0 on aggregate.

The CSL side beat the League Two team 3-0 in the first meeting at home. But Dalian have been weakened with the departure of Portugal international Jose Fonte who left the club after making just seven appearances in three months, but Bernd Schuster's men still have enough firepower to reach the last four.

Even if Fonte were around, the CSL side are not allowed foreigners when they face a third-tier team as per FA Cup rules.

In the 25th minute, Zhao Xuebin made a difficult volley but it was saved by goalkeeper Jin Wenxin.

In the 40th minute, Dalian created a series of chances in the box and Wang Jinxian was tackled by a Sichuan player resulting in a penalty kick.

And Qin Shen casually slid it into the right corner to give Dalian a 1-0 before half-time.

In the 53rd minute, Sichuan's Wang Jinliang headed a corner clear of the box, but Cui Ming'an stepped up and volleyed it into the net. Dalian won 2-0 and are into the semifinals 5-0 on aggregate.

In the quarterfinals tonight, Beijing Guoan will take a 2-1 lead to Shanghai SIPG who will be without Hulk due to suspension. Shandong Luneng take on Guizhou Hengfeng and Guangzhou R&F host Jiangsu Suning with both those ties 0-0 after the first legs.