AFC Asian Cup: China's goal disallowed, Australia beat India

China started the AFC Asian Cup with a 0-0 tie against debutants Tajikistan in Group A. Chinese defender Zhu Chenjie's header was disallowed after a video assistant referee (VAR) check on Saturday.

The world 106th-ranked Tajikistan outplayed China throughout the first half and created several excellent chances in China's penalty area but didn't finish. China recovered from stress and anxiety after head coach Aleksandar Jankovic made crucial substitutions in the second half.

In the 80th minute, Zhu's header from a corner silenced the Tajikistan fans but VAR's intervention reignited their passion, leading to noisy boos from Chinese fans instead. Zhu headed home from close range, but the goal was disallowed as center back Jiang Guangtai was deemed to be offside. Jiang and a Tajikistan defender were standing on the goal line, jockeying for position. Zhu's header flew over their heads and neither of them did not jump up to make any influence on the ball.

Jankovic refused to use the referee's controversial decision as an excuse and said that his side had practiced corner tactics. "You don't solve problems with tears and crying," he said.

"The opening game is always difficult," he added, admitting that there were lots of errors, especially in the first half.

"Some movements were okay, but balls were not sharp and precise. In the second half we got some more control. But in general, we have to be more precise and have more control."

The momentum of the match changed in the last 30 minutes after several fresh legs including Zhang Yuning, Xu Xin, Xie Pengfei and Lin Liangming were introduced by Jankovic.

The Serbian also admitted that the players felt pressure in the first half and "some adjustments" were essential before the next round against Lebanon.

With one point in the first round, China will face Lebanon on Wednesday, while Tajikistan are set to play against hosts Qatar, who lead the group with three points after Friday's 3-0 win over Lebanon. The Chinese squad were runners-up in 1984 and 2004 at the event, and reached the quarterfinals in the past two editions.

In Group B, Australia outplayed India with a 2-0 victory with goals from Jackson Irvine and Jordan Bos in the second half. Uzbekistan were held to a goalless draw by Syria.

A total of 24 teams are divided into six groups at the Asian Cup, which runs from January 12 to February 10.

(With input from Xinhua)