Zigong falls to Deyang as Sichuan City Football League concludes

The 2025/2026 Sichuan City Football League ("Chuan Chao") concluded July 10 as Deyang Heavy Duty Team secured third place with a 1-0 win over hosts Zigong Lantern City Shenlong Team at Nanhu Sports Center in Zigong.

Chengdu Jincheng Team had already secured the league title and Mianyang Jiuzhou Changhong Team the runner-up spot before the final round, leaving the battle for third place as the focus of the season finale.

Deyang entered the match third with 20 points, while Zigong and Liangshan Haoyisheng Team were tied on 19 and Nanchong Silk Origin Team followed on 18. A win would guarantee Zigong third place, while three points for Deyang would secure the final podium position.

The home side, unbeaten at home all season, pressed forward from the opening whistle in search of an early goal. Deyang defended resolutely and held the hosts scoreless, and the teams went into halftime locked at 0-0.

The decisive moment came in the 78th minute, when Deyang won a free kick in the attacking half. The delivery found its target inside the penalty area, and a Deyang player rose above the defense to head home the winner for a 1-0 lead.

Zigong pushed forward in search of an equalizer and nearly found one in the 86th minute with a dangerous free kick, but Deyang's goalkeeper denied the effort.

Deyang held on through the closing minutes to seal the win, ending Zigong's unbeaten home record.

The final standings had Chengdu as champion, Mianyang in second, Deyang in third and Zigong in fourth.

After the final whistle, Zigong players rode motorcycles around the stadium, waving to supporters and thanking them for their support throughout the season.