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India vs China AFC U23 Asian Cup Qualifiers: China handed India a narrow loss in a last-minute thriller

India started their AFC U23 Asian Cup qualifiers with a narrow 1-2 defeat against China at the Dalian Suoyuwan Stadium.

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Abishek Goswami
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AFC U23 Asian Cup | India vs China AFC U23 Asian Cup Qualifiers: China handed India a narrow loss in a last-minute thriller | Sportz Point

The 68th minute marked the opening of the scoring, with Tao Qianglong netting a spot-kick for China. India found an equalizer in the 93rd minute through an unfortunate own goal by Hu Hetao. However, just as India's celebration began, Mohemaiti shattered their hopes with a 96th-minute winner. China registered a thrilling victory in the last minute of the game by 2-1 at the Dalian Suoyuwan Stadium. India will next face UAE in the AFC U23 Asian Cup Qualifiers.

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India vs China AFC U23 Asian Cup Qualifiers: Match Report

First Half:

The first half of the AFC U23 Asian Cup qualifier between India and China proved to be an evenly-matched contest, with both teams heading into halftime deadlocked at 0-0. Blue Colts didn't look shy for a moment as they were threatening the China defense very often. China could have gotten the lead in the 21st minute when a mispass from India's defense landed at the feet of Hu Hetao. He took a long-range shot that went just wide of the mark.

India also came close as Sivasakthi arrived inside the box. Unfortunately, a slip denied him the opportunity. The ball fell to Vibin Mohanan outside the box, but his shot just missed the mark.ย China were controlling the midfield but they failed to score any in the first half. They were applying consistent pressure with back-to-back attacks. India's midfield was struggling, but their defense was holding strong.

Second Half:

The second half was nothing but a thriller movie. India successfully wasted a golden opportunity. Vibin Mohanan delivered a well-placed cross into the box for Suhail Bhatt, but unfortunately, he couldn't keep the shot on target. It would have been a huge lead for India but they couldn't capitalize the chance.

A penalty was awarded to China as Vibin Mohanan fouled Liu Haofan inside the box in the 66th minute. China's captain, Tao Qianglong, stepped up to take the crucial spot-kick and he gave the important lead to his team. Gill has no chance of stopping that shot from hitting the net. The Indian team didn't let their heads down and kept on creating chances for themselves.

India got their goal in the 93rd minute. A free kick from outside the box found its way into the box, bouncing off a Chinese defender and into the net. It was an own goal from China but India happily took that. They thought the match would end as a draw which would be a brilliant result for them but China came up with a surprise.

Naibijiang Mohemaiti was left unmarked inside the left side of the box. He capitalized on a cross from the right flank and slotted it into the net. A swift and clinical finish that puts China back in the lead. It was enough as there was no time left. China got their victory, a hard-fought victory against the brave Indian team.

India U23 vs China U23 Starting XI:

India U23 Starting XI:

  • Prabhsukhan Singh Gill, Sumit Rathi, Narender, Jitendra Singh, Siva Sakthi Narayanan (C), Rohit Danu, Parthib Sundar Gogoi, Sanjeev Stalin, Vibin Mohanan, Thoiba Moirangthem, Suhail Ahmad Bhat

China U23 Starting XI:

  • Jian Tao, Hu Hetao, Liu Haofan, Liang Shaowen, Zhu Yue, Tao Qianglong (C), Jia Feifan, Aifeierding Aisikaer, Yang Zihao, Duan Dezhi, Mutalifu Yimingkari
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