THE clock ticked over to the 51st minute at the Hive Stadium on Wednesday night as Tottenham’s Tang Jiali collected a pass from Angela Addison inside the penalty area, with three Charlton defenders looming. Within the blink of an eye, the striker pulled her foot back and unleashed a shot of sheer class and elegance that gave goalkeeper Eartha Cumings no chance.

Tang had been the subject of close attention from a well-organized Charlton defense. Everywhere the 26-year-old Chinese had turned, several red shirts intervened to deny her space and, as this tie entered its second half, the visitors surely were starting to think they could pull off a major upset.

But it takes only one second for the Chinese star to break free. That is why Tottenham insisted on signing her from Shanghai Shengli this summer, and it was the reason they were able to secure a winning start to their Women’s Continental League Cup campaign.

“I’ve always dreamed of playing in England, and I hope I can help make it a successful season for the team,” Tang said when she was unveiled as one of the new signings in July. And she had to be patient, battling to suppress the frustration she felt in the first half.

Eventually, Tang’s first goal for Tottenham duly arrived, and it’s another milestone for the Shanghai-born sensation after becoming the first Chinese women soccer player to sign a professional contract in the United Kingdom.

And judging by her brilliant display against Charlton, there is more to come.

The optimism was echoed by Tottenham head coach Rehanne Skinner, who told the club’s official website：“We are really excited to have a player of Tang’s quality coming to Spurs. The additional strengths Tang brings to the team will be key to our success moving into the new season.”

(CGTN)