Dark horses are welcome at Chinese FA Cup

The Chinese Football Association (CFA) Cup is considered of little v-alue by most Chinese fans, but after two amateur teams - Wuhan Hongxing and Suzhou Jinfu - eliminated two Chinese Super League (CSL) sides, people are starting to take notice.

Hongxing and Jinfu both beat their opponents, Shanghai SIPG and Liaoning Whowin, by penalty shootout last week.

All CFA Cup games before the semifinals will be played as a single-leg match, which is settled with a penalty shootout if the scores are level after 90 minutes.

Heading to a penalty shootout -directly without playing extra time has increased the possibility of upsets, but it is such results that make the tournament more entertaining.

Take a look at Wigan Athletic in England. Although they were relegated from the Premier League in the 2012-13 season, before that, their sensational triumph in the FA Cup, which culminated with a 1-0 win over mighty Manchester City, earned them great credit.

Back to the CFA Cup, Dali Ruilong were the previous overachieving under-dogs. In 2013, the third-tier side knocked Shanghai Shenhua out of the competition in the third round to set up a showdown against CSL -giants Guangzhou Evergrande.

At that time the seeded team held home advantage and Evergrande then went on to thrash Ruilong 7-1.

But this year, things are different.

The governing body changed the rules so the lower team has home advantage in each round and clubs from the top and second tiers cannot use any foreign players when facing teams from lower leagues, let alone amateur sides.

For teams from lower leagues, hosting big teams from the CSL is not only a chance to cause an upset but also to boost their finances. The CFA even offers an award for the best dark horses.

China once only held the CFA Cup because other ruling bodies had a similar event, but now it seems the tournament finds its proper position in bringing the game to everyone.

Hongxing will host Qingdao Hainiu on Wednesday while Jinfu will meet visiting Shanghai Shenxin on Thursday.

If Hongxing could make the next round, their possible opponents would be Evergrande, who are expected to defeat Henan Jianye on Thursday.

They should try to win at all costs: Park the bus and win by penalty shootout. Why not?