Mao Weijie (C) of China passes in the Panda Cup game against Australia in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province, November 16, 2024. /CFP
China and Australia exchanged two goals in the under-19 tournament Panda Cup game that ended as a 1-1 draw in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province, on Saturday.
China scored first in the third minute when Mao Weijie assisted Chen Zeshi who finished from close range. Mao broke into the area and then dodged two straight defenders before calmly finding Wang for a comfortable shot into the bottom right corner.
Australia didn't trail for too long as Daniel Bennie headed a corner kick into the hosts' goal in the 23rd minute to tie the score for the "Socceroos."
China set up more opportunities than Australia in the first half, but failed to break the opponents' solid defense again. Australia launched more and better attacks in the second half thanks to their better stamina and scored a goal in the 87th minute. Nonetheless, it was ruled offside.
China beat Mongolia 6-0 in opener on Wednesday and will play Kyrgyzstan in the final game on November 19.