China Secures 2-1 Victory Over Qatar in AFC U20 Asian Cup Opener
Hosts aim for a top-four finish in the 2025 FIFA U20 World Cup qualifiers following a strong start in Shenzhen.
The AFC U20 Asian Cup commenced on February 12, 2025, in Shenzhen, China, with the host nation securing a 2-1 victory over Qatar in the tournament's opening match.
This 16-team tournament features China in Group A alongside Australia, Qatar, and Kyrgyzstan.
The objective for the home team is to finish in the top four, which would qualify them for the FIFA U20 World Cup in 2025, marking a potential return to the global stage after a 20-year absence.
The match saw China demonstrating early dominance, achieving over 60 percent ball possession in the first half.
The scoring began in the 17th minute when Kuai Jiwen found the net with a low strike into the far corner, assisted by Mao Weijie.
Just four minutes later, Liu Chengyu extended China's lead to 2-0, capitalizing on a direct pass from Chen Zeshi, allowing him to dribble past the Qatari goalkeeper.
In the 55th minute, Qatar responded by pulling a goal back.
Mahomaed Faragalla capitalized on a cross from Tahsin Jamshid, scoring an open goal.
The remaining 30 minutes of the match saw limited offensive opportunities for both teams, allowing China to maintain their 2-1 advantage and secure the victory.
In another match within Group A on the same day, Australia achieved a significant win against Kyrgyzstan, defeating them 5-1. China's next match in the tournament is scheduled against Kyrgyzstan on Saturday.
This 16-team tournament features China in Group A alongside Australia, Qatar, and Kyrgyzstan.
The objective for the home team is to finish in the top four, which would qualify them for the FIFA U20 World Cup in 2025, marking a potential return to the global stage after a 20-year absence.
The match saw China demonstrating early dominance, achieving over 60 percent ball possession in the first half.
The scoring began in the 17th minute when Kuai Jiwen found the net with a low strike into the far corner, assisted by Mao Weijie.
Just four minutes later, Liu Chengyu extended China's lead to 2-0, capitalizing on a direct pass from Chen Zeshi, allowing him to dribble past the Qatari goalkeeper.
In the 55th minute, Qatar responded by pulling a goal back.
Mahomaed Faragalla capitalized on a cross from Tahsin Jamshid, scoring an open goal.
The remaining 30 minutes of the match saw limited offensive opportunities for both teams, allowing China to maintain their 2-1 advantage and secure the victory.
In another match within Group A on the same day, Australia achieved a significant win against Kyrgyzstan, defeating them 5-1. China's next match in the tournament is scheduled against Kyrgyzstan on Saturday.
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