Chengdu Better City vs Henan Songshan Longmen Prediction: 19.08.2025 CFA Cup Semifinals Preview

As the sun sets over Chengdu’s Wuliangye Cultural and Sports Center Professional Football Field, anticipation rises for a riveting all-Chinese semifinal clash in the 2025 CFA Cup. Chengdu Better City, enjoying a formidable run under the stewardship of Seo Jung-won, stand as the clear bookies’ favorite—not just for their home advantage but for their consistently superior form this season. Henan Songshan Longmen, led by Daniel Ramos, will hope to resurrect their campaign after a turbulent run in the last month. This duel is not just a battle for a place in the final but a showcase of attacking bravado and contrasting recent fortunes.

Keep an eye on Chengdu’s lethal forward Felipe Sousa—his five goals in the last five matches have been nothing short of electric. For Henan, Frank Acheampong’s pace and sharpness (also bagging five goals in his last five) make him their brightest attacking hope. Both players not only top their team’s scoring charts but also have the sort of clinical edge that can decide semifinal matches.

Hot stat: Both teams have averaged almost two goals per game in their last five outings, but Chengdu Better City have conceded just two in that stretch—the mark of a team well-drilled at both ends of the pitch.

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Chengdu Better City vs Henan Songshan Longmen prediction

Given Chengdu Better City’s dominant recent record (five wins in their last seven, with a win rate of 71% in the past month) and Henan’s inconsistency (just one win in six, win rate 17%), the value clearly sits with the home side. Chengdu’s structured 3-4-3 system provides both attacking width and defensive solidity, seen in their mere two goals conceded over the last five matches, all while maintaining an impressive attacking output.

However, Henan are unpredictable—their 4-4-2 lineup is built for transitions and bursts of direct play, but struggles defensively, as seen from their 13 yellow cards and 10 goals conceded in their previous five. Their high foul count (68 to Chengdu’s 58) also suggests they’re susceptible to giving away dangerous set pieces, particularly under pressure. Both teams’ ball retention is respectable—Chengdu averaged 1390 passes with 82% accuracy, Henan 1659 passes at 81%—but Henan’s tendency to concede possession in critical areas could be exposed by Chengdu’s pacy counterattacking.

Team Analysis

Chengdu Better City come into this tie on the back of an industrious yet frustrating 0-0 draw against Qingdao Hainiu. While they controlled sizable chunks of possession and created chances (total 76 shots in their last five matches), their usual clinical edge was missing. However, the game also showcased Chengdu’s defensive discipline—with just two goals conceded across their last five. In prior outings, a commanding 3-0 win over Bangkok United and a resilient 2-1 victory against Shandong Taishan underscored their ability to outmaneuver both defense-minded and expansive opponents.

Henan Songshan Longmen, by contrast, endured a sobering 1-4 defeat at the hands of Shanghai Port in their latest display—a match plagued by defensive lapses and missed tackles. They have struggled for rhythm, with their 4-4-2 leaving them exposed defensively (10 goals conceded in their last five) despite high-effort attacking phases, as evidenced by scoring four against Shenzhen Peng City recently. Still, their inconsistency is compounded by discipline issues (13 yellow cards), which has repeatedly interrupted their flow. Their standout result in this period remains a sturdy 4-1 triumph over Shenzhen Peng City, but this attacking verve has come at the cost of defensive vulnerabilities.

Most recent Head-to-Head Matches

🚨Read our full Chengdu Better City vs Henan Songshan Longmen stats for more analysis.

Pre-game odds and win probability: Chengdu Better City the favourite

• Moneyline Chengdu Better City 1.55 | Henan Songshan Longmen 5.20
• Draw 4.15
• Over/Under Over 2.5 1.90 | Under 2.5 1.80
• BTTS (both teams to score) Yes 1.75 | No 2.10

The odds paint a clear picture — Chengdu Better City are rightly installed as favorites given their strong results, defensive stability, and home advantage. However, Henan’s tendency for unpredictable matches means the over markets (goals, BTTS) carry significant appeal. With Henan’s defense often breached and both teams showing attacking potency, expecting goals at both ends is logical. Draw is priced wide due to both teams’ attacking intent.

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Possible Starting Lineups

Chengdu Better City possible starting eleven

• GK: Liu Dianzuo
• DF: Timo Letschert, Yahav Gurfinkel, Li Yang
• MF: Rômulo, Tim Chow, Gan Chao, Wang Dongsheng
• FW: Felipe Sousa, Wei Shihao, Pedro Delgado

Expect Seo Jung-won to stick with his tried-and-tested 3-4-3, providing both width and stability. Liu Dianzuo in goal has been dependable (2 clean sheets in last 5), while Timo Letschert and Gurfinkel anchor a resilient back line. In midfield, Rômulo’s ability to create chances (4 assists in last five) and Chow’s engine are key. Up front, Felipe Sousa leads the line on fiery form, flanked by the creativity of Pedro Delgado and Wei Shihao, whose return adds sharpness. Expect Chongqing to dominate wide areas and look to unlock Henan’s defense through quick interplay.

Henan Songshan Longmen possible starting eleven

• GK: Xu Jiamin
• DF: Yeljan Shinar, Oliver Gerbig, Liu Yixin, Lucas Jaques Varone Maia
• MF: Wang Shangyuan, Bruno Nazário, Abdul Rou Suri Abdul Ramu, He Chao
• FW: Frank Acheampong, Wanderson

Henan Songshan Longmen are likely to keep faith in their 4-4-2, valuing midfield compactness and getting service to Acheampong and Wanderson—both critical for any upset hopes. Xu Jiamin will look to rebound from conceding four last time out; Nazário’s creativity and Abdul Ramu’s tenacity must balance defense with transition play. Acheampong’s speed remains Henan’s best weapon, with Wanderson’s directness threatening on the counter. The back line, however, will be severely tested.

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My take on the Match

With home advantage, a well-drilled squad, and electric attacking options, Chengdu Better City look set to book their spot in the CFA Cup final. Expect Felipe Sousa to leave his mark, with Rômulo and Delgado providing the necessary creativity to unlock a shaky Henan back line. Henan’s attack might offer moments of resistance—especially via Acheampong—but unless they find a new defensive compactness, Chengdu’s relentless pressure and consistent quality will likely prove too much. My main pick is Chengdu Better City to win and Over 2.5 goals, with a 3-1 scoreline looking plausible.

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