In a nail-biting opener at the Under-16 Chinese Football Association Team China International Tournament in Hohhot, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, the home side edged Saudi Arabia 2-1 with a last-minute winner.
Right from kick-off, the hosts showed fierce attacking intent. In the fourth minute, they unleashed a series of crisp passes inside the box, setting the stage for what was to come. Eight minutes later, a beautifully orchestrated play saw goalkeeper Xu Zengfu launch a long pass that found Kuang Zhaolei, whose header reached He Saifan. With a clever chip over the opposing keeper, He Saifan put China ahead 1-0.
Saudi Arabia ramped up their pressure and managed to pull level in the 68th minute when Nawaf Abdullah secured an equalizer from close range.
However, China’s fighting spirit shone through in stoppage time. In the 91st minute, Xie Jin delivered a precise cross from the right wing that connected with Shuai Weihao’s head, sealing the win and sending the home crowd into a frenzy. The dramatic finish left fans buzzing with excitement and anticipation. ⚽️
Looking ahead, China will face Vietnam on Friday, promising another round of thrilling football action. Stay tuned for more updates on this rising talent in youth football!
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
