Guoan, the Chinese football club from Guangzhou, has had quite a few memorable moments in its history, but one that stands out is their near miss in the China League One (CSL) standings.

In the 2017 season, Guoan finished second in the CSL table, just two points behind leaders Shandong Luneng. However, they were ultimately unable to secure promotion to the top flight due to a controversial penalty shootout loss to Tianjin Teda in the playoff semi-finals.

The match was closely contested and ended in a 2-2 draw after extra time. In the penalty shoot-out, Guoan failed to convert all four of their shots, while Tianjin Teda scored three goals. Despite this, Guoan still managed to advance to the final against Qingdao Huanghai, where they again lost on penalties.

Despite the disappointment, Guoan fans and players alike remain proud of their achievement in finishing second in the CSL. The team has continued to improve over the years and currently sits at the top of the league table once again.

However, it seems that the memory of their near miss will always be with them as they strive for success in the upcoming season. With a strong squad and a manager who knows how to get the best out of his players, there is no doubt that Guoan have the potential to make a big impact in the CSL in 2019.