TASHKENT, March 9 (Xinhua) — China drew 1-1 with Kyrgyzstan within the third spherical of AFC U20 Asian Cup Group D right here on Thursday to advance to the knockout stage of the competitors for the primary time since 2014.
China ranks second within the group with 4 factors, whereas Japan edged Saudi Arabia 2-1 on Thursday to prime the group with three straight wins.
China will face South Korea within the quarterfinals on Sunday.
The Chinese group went 1-0 forward within the 59th minute by an personal aim by Kyrgyzstan defender Mirlan Bekberdinov. Chinese captain Aifeierding Aisikaer’s go in the direction of his teammate was off course, however Bekberdinov redirected the ball over the top of goalkeeper Sultan Chomoev into the online.
Kyrgyzstan then pressed exhausting for a aim and their efforts paid off within the 87th minute when Zhenishbekov Biimyrza fired a left-footed shot previous Chinese goalkeeper Li Hao.
The Central Asians continued to threaten within the final moments and had 17 pictures all through the match, however Li Hao made a string of wonderful saves to make sure a draw for China.
“The Chinese team haven’t qualified for the knockout stage in this tournament for nearly ten years. I hope our qualification will give Chinese people a bit of joy. We are well-united and have strong desire to win,” stated Aifeierding.