Baotou took on Tongliao in the second leg of the semi-finals of the Mengniu 2026 Inner Mongolia Football Super League (IMFSL) on Sept 5.

Players line up before the match. [Photo/Baotou news network]

In the first leg, Baotou defeated Tongliao 1-0 at home, defending their advantage and fighting for a spot in the final.

Three key Baotou attackers were sidelined for this away match, putting immense pressure on the team's backline.

Baotou's squad huddles before kick-off. [Photo/Baotou news network]

Tongliao took the lead in the 15th minute to level the aggregate score. In the 23rd minute, Baotou won a penalty. Lyu Zheng, Baotou's No 17, converted a spot kick to score an equalizer.

After seven minutes of stoppage time in the second half, the final whistle blew with the score locked at 1-1. Baotou defeated Tongliao 2-1 on aggregate over the two legs, advancing to the league final.

Baotou players line up with child mascots. [Photo/Baotou news network]