On the evening of October 27, the AFC U17 Asian Cup Qualifiers continued with Group C matches. In the final round of group play, the China U16 national football team faced off against the strong contenders from South Korea at the Pu’an Sports Stadium in Dalian.

During the match, China initially fell behind, but through relentless pressing, they managed to score two goals in quick succession. However, in the dying moments, South Korea secured a penalty and the game ended in a 2-2 draw. As a result, South Korea advanced as the group winners, while China, despite not securing direct qualification, remains hopeful for advancement.

Originally, 43 teams registered for this qualification stage, divided into ten groups—groups A, B, and C each containing five teams, while the remaining groups had four teams. The top team from each group, along with the five best second-placed teams and the host nation, Saudi Arabia, will earn a spot in the final tournament next year.

Following the withdrawal of Lebanon’s U16 team, the rules changed. In comparing second-placed teams from groups A, B, and C with those from other groups, their results against the last two teams in their groups will not be factored into their rankings. In this qualifying round, China’s U16 team was grouped with South Korea, Bahrain, Bhutan, and the Maldives.

Before the qualifiers began, China’s U16 squad made it clear that their goal was to advance from the group stage. Player Bian Yulang expressed hopes for a perfect record, wanting the team to showcase its strengths.

Head coach Kenichi Kawaguchi, who took over the team in February, emphasized the importance of taking every match seriously. “Our overall goal is to qualify from the group and participate in next year’s finals. Throughout this process, I hope the players gain valuable experience,” he stated.

Before this high-stakes clash between China and South Korea, the situation in Group C was already becoming clear. South Korea held the top spot due to goal difference, with China closely following.

In previous matches, the China U16 team had shown strong performance, leading in possession and shots on target. They scored a total of 17 goals without conceding, proving their dominance in controlling the midfield and forward play.

For this crucial match against South Korea, China made some adjustments in their starting lineup. Goalkeeper Ilyas Yilmaz remained in goal, backed by defenders Wang Gengrui, Sun Tianyu, Ailinyizar Roheman, and Jiang Zhiqin. Liu Jiale, Yan Yuzhe, and Yao Junyu made up the midfield trio, while Wang Yi, Wei Xiangxin, and Aibula Nueraji were positioned as forwards.

As the match kicked off, both teams aimed to seize control. In the 9th minute, South Korea struck first through a chaotic scene following a free kick. This goal marked the first time the China U16 team conceded in this tournament.

Just a minute later, Liu Jiale’s cross was deflected by the opposing goalkeeper. In response to their trailing position, China began intensifying their attacks through the center, looking for openings. By the 18th minute, Liu Jiale’s shot from the edge of the box was saved by South Korea’s keeper.

In the 23rd minute, Ailinyizar Roheman nearly scored with a header that went wide. China created a solid scoring chance in the 32nd minute with a well-executed triangular passing play inside the box, but Aibula Nueraji’s shot was again saved.

As the first half neared its end, China’s consistent pressure finally paid off. They launched an aggressive attack, and Yao Junyu took advantage of a defensive gap to score, equalizing just before halftime.

As the second half commenced, both teams made strategic substitutions, and the match continued to see back-and-forth action. In the 64th minute, China executed their pressing strategy effectively, leading to a penalty kick taken by Wei Xiangxin, who successfully converted to make it 2-1.

With minutes left in the game, Li Xiang had a close-range shot saved by the opposing keeper, while a free kick from South Korea struck the post in the 85th minute. Soon after, in the 87th minute, South Korea equalized with their own penalty, bringing the score to 2-2.

Though both teams ended up with 10 points, South Korea advanced as group leaders. The China U16 team now waits for the results of other groups, yet their point total and goal difference remain favorable for qualification chances.