The 2026 Fujian City Football League (FJCL) delivered a milestone moment for Pingtan Team on Saturday night, as the side netted its first goal in league history despite suffering a 4-1 away defeat to Zhangzhou Team in the third round of the regular season.

Playing at the Zhangzhou Stadium, Pingtan fell behind early after Zhangzhou capitalized on a quick attacking move. The visitors responded positively, with midfielders increasing their movement and the wide players repeatedly pushing forward in search of crosses. For a period, Pingtan even enjoyed more possession, but Zhangzhou struck again in the 40th minute to take a two-goal lead into halftime.

Pingtan refused to back down after the break, and in the 72nd minute the team finally produced Pingtan's first goal.

Xi Weijun (center) fires a shot after spotting an opening.

Midfielder Xu Zhihang broke down the flank before delivering the ball into the middle, triggering a scramble inside the penalty area. Amid the chaos, 42-year-old forward Xi Weijun reacted first, firing a low shot past the goalkeeper to make it 2-1.

Pingtan fans cheer on their team from the stands.

The strike marked Pingtan's first goal since joining the league, sparking wild cheers from the bench and Pingtan's supporters.

Zhangzhou restored their two-goal advantage just one minute later and added another in stoppage time to seal the 4-1 result, but the night still belonged in part to Xi and his long-awaited breakthrough.

"We dared to keep the ball and control possession in this match," said Pingtan player Shi Zheng after the game. "There were mistakes, but I think we've improved. Xi Weijun's goal lifted everyone's morale, and hopefully we can keep building better teamwork in every match."

Veteran striker finally rewarded

For Xi, the goal carried special significance.

When the final whistle blew, the veteran striker walked off the pitch exhausted, his jersey soaked in sweat. Yet the moment of glory 18 minutes earlier was already etched into club history.

Facing four defenders packed inside the box, Xi struck decisively from the edge of the area, sending the ball arcing beyond the goalkeeper's reach and into the net.

"It was the coach's instruction to strengthen the attack after I came on," Xi said after the match. "We didn't have much time left, and simply defending would never get us a goal. The coach told us to work the ball wide and shoot decisively. If you don't shoot, you'll never score."

The goal ended Pingtan's frustrating scoring drought after narrow 1-0 defeats in the first two rounds against Sanming and Longyan.

Xi revealed that his wife and daughter were in the stands when he scored. Although he instinctively wanted to celebrate with them, he quickly turned back toward the center circle.

"We were still behind, so we had to restart quickly and keep attacking," he said. "They were very excited, and so was I."

At 42, Xi is one of the oldest players in the competition, making the milestone even more meaningful.

"It's very lucky and very precious to score in a competition like this," he said. "This goal has greatly boosted our confidence, and we hope to score even more in the matches ahead."

The striker also drew attention for his new haircut. After sporting long hair for more than a year, Xi shaved it short ahead of the second round of the season.

"Our training sessions are all at night," he joked. "Long hair takes time to wash and dry, and it affected my sleep, so I just cut it off."

Coaching staff sees progress

At the post-match press conference, assistant coach Lei Xinpeng praised the squad's fighting spirit despite the defeat.

"The players gave everything and delivered an intense match for the fans," Lei said. "Although the result was disappointing, every player showed determination and worked hard throughout the game."

He emphasized that the team's first goal of the season was the reward for sustained effort in training.

"That first goal was the result of the players' hard work on the training ground, and it has significantly boosted our confidence," Lei said. "Next, we'll fully review this match, identify the problems, refine our plans, and continue strengthening fitness and tactical execution."

Pingtan will return home on May 16 to face Ningde Team, carrying fresh belief after their historic first goal.