China opened their Group E campaign in 2026 Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Under-20 Women's Asian Cup Qualifying with a decisive 6-0 victory over Syria on Wednesday night at home in Yinchuan, northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region.

The hosts took control from the start. A brace from Lu Jiayu put China ahead, before goals from Zheng Lu and Zhang Yiqian widened the lead to 4-0 at halftime. Two more goals in the second half wrapped up China's strong start to the qualifiers.

"I was a bit nervous when I first stepped onto the pitch," Xiao Yafei said. "But the home crowd really lifted me, and the team worked well together, so I hope we maintain this form in the next match."

China coach Colin Bell noted that many of his players were making their debuts. He added that the team fought hard and delivered a solid result, but still has a long way to go, and would now focus on their next match against Cambodia on Friday.

Elsewhere in Group E, Lebanon edged Cambodia 1-0.