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China fall to hosts Saudi Arabia in AFC U17 Asian Cup opener

Sports Scene

China's players walk off the pitch in frustration after losing to Saudi Arabia at the AFC U17 Asian Cup in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, April 3, 2025. /VCG
China's players walk off the pitch in frustration after losing to Saudi Arabia at the AFC U17 Asian Cup in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, April 3, 2025. /VCG

China's players walk off the pitch in frustration after losing to Saudi Arabia at the AFC U17 Asian Cup in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, April 3, 2025. /VCG

China suffered a narrow 2-1 defeat to hosts Saudi Arabia in their opening match, as the 2025 AFC U17 Asian Cup kicked off on Thursday.

The Saudis took the lead in the 11th minute when onrushing goalkeeper Yihesan Yilamu slipped, leaving an open net for Abdulhadi Matari to calmly slot home. The hosts doubled their lead in first-half stoppage time, as Osamah Al Daghmah finished off a counterattack.

The Chinese side managed to pull one back deep into second-half stoppage time when Wei Xiangxin cut inside from the left and fired into the near corner.

A total of 16 teams are divided into four groups at this event. China have been drawn into Group A along with Saudi Arabia, Uzbekistan, and Thailand.

Earlier in the day, the Uzbeks registered a convincing 4-1 win over the Thais. China will face Uzbekistan on Sunday, while Saudi Arabia meet Thailand.

This tournament is also serving as an Asian qualifier for the FIFA U17 World Cup, which will be held later this year in Qatar, with the top two teams from each group securing direct qualification.

Source(s): Xinhua News Agency
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