Hey soccer fans! ⚽ The AFC U17 Asian Cup kicked off with a thrilling match between China’s U17 team and hosts Saudi Arabia on Thursday.
The game started with a surprise. In the 11th minute, Chinese goalkeeper Yihesan Yilamu slipped while rushing forward, giving Saudi Arabia’s Abdulhadi Matari an easy chance to score into an open net. Oops! 😮
Just before halftime, the Saudis doubled their lead. Osamah Al Daghmah finished off a speedy counterattack, making it 2-0. But the Chinese team didn’t give up!
Deep into second-half stoppage time, China’s Wei Xiangxin cut in from the left and fired a shot into the near corner. Goal! 🎯 But it wasn’t enough to catch up, and the game ended 2-1.
This tournament has 16 teams divided into four groups. China is in Group A with Saudi Arabia, Uzbekistan, and Thailand. Earlier that day, Uzbekistan beat Thailand 4-1. Next up, China will face Uzbekistan on Sunday. Go China! 🇨🇳
Did you know? This tournament is also a qualifier for the FIFA U17 World Cup happening later this year in Qatar. The top two teams from each group will qualify. So there’s still a chance for China to make it! 🌟
Reference(s):
China fall to hosts Saudi Arabia in AFC U17 Asian Cup opener
cgtn.com
