AFC U-23 Championship Qualifiers: China send early warning
Phnom Penh: China showed they will be serious contenders in the 2018 AFC U-23 Championship on home soil after beating Japan 2-1 in a Group J qualifying tie at the National Olympic Stadium in Phnom Penh on Sunday.
China fully deserved the win as they were on top from the start, with Yang Liyu proving to be a thorn for Japanese defenders Itakura Kou and Yuta Nakayama.
China's industrious play was rewarded in the 39th minute when Wei Shihao put his side in front after deftly controlling a cross from Yao Junsheng to sidefoot home with his right from the edge of the box.
Buoyed by the goal, China attacked Japan in waves and doubled their lead in first half stoppage time when Deng Hanwen tapped in from close range after Shihao turned provider when he drove the ball into the box.
Japan came out roaring in the second half and Keita Endo reduced the deficit eight minutes into the restart after substitute Ren Komatsu’s heel flick was only parried away by the China keeper and fell kindly onto the waiting Endo's path.
Japan continued pressing but China, who had already qualified by virtue of hosting the Finals next year, held on to win the group on seven points.
Japan, on six points, now have to wait and see how the other groups finish to know their fate.
Source: the-afc.com
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