China out-muscles Cambodia in opening AFC U-17 Qualifier

By Daniel Webb

Oct 6, 2022

Dominant: China's Zhang Junjie celebrates the opening goal of the game. Photo: AFC/Mark Avellino

A classy China outfit did what it came to do on Wednesday afternoon — secure the three points.

Taking on Cambodia in the opening game of the AFC-U17 Asian Cup Qualifiers at Shepparton’s McEwen Reserve, the men in red out-muscled and outclassed their opponents.

Running out 9-0 winners, China began the game on the front foot, using their bigger bodies to hold most of the possession.

On the move: Liu Tiecheng makes a run. Photo by Mark Avellino Photography

While Cambodia created counter attacks of their own, the constant pressure of China eventually saw the side break through their opponents defensive line.

“We were well prepared,” China coach Yang Chen said post-game.

“We had a one month training camp in Australia and we have adapted to the weather so that helped us a lot.

“We are very happy to win this game and it will boost our confidence for our next two matches.”

A 16th minute goal opened China’s account on the day with Zhang Junjie jumping on a deflected Wang Yudong pass in the box to finish well.

Under pressure: Cambodia's Menghong Sou looks to out-pace his opponent.

Moments after this goal, Cambodia created a chance of its own, winning a free kick on the edge of the area.

While they failed to convert this chance, some impressive combination play between Ranut Song and Makara Soun put a spring in the side’s step, however it would soon disappear.

A brilliant counter attacking passing move from China eight minutes after its opening goal saw Huang Kaijun extend the side’s lead, before Wang Yudong headed the ball into the back of the net to make it 3-0 two minutes later.

Shoulder to shouler: China's Huang Kaijun gets in front of his man. Photo by Mark Avellino Photography

China’s lead would extend further through Kuai Jiwen on the cusp of half-time, with the reds in the box seat for the three points.

As the teams re-entered the McEwen Reserve pitch after the break it was all one-way traffic and two more goals to China’s Wang Yudong put the result beyond doubt.

“We have several important players in our squad and he (Yudong) is just one of them,” Chen said.

“As a striker he just has to fulfil his duty, get his job done and I think more players will deliver good performances in the next few matches.”

Key player: China's Wang Yudong kicked three goals in the match.

Further goals to substitute Wang Haobin, player-of-the-match Li Ming and Ouyang Jiaxin saw the team run out convincing winners.

Despite the loss, Cambodia coach Inoue Kazunori was happy with his player’s efforts.

“We have two more games,” Kazunori said.

“It is important to change their (the players) mind, forget this result, we have two games to win.”

Tough match: Cambodia coach Inoue Kazunori could not fault his player’s efforts. Photo by Mark Avellino Photography

Kazunori said it was a difficult match against a quick and tactical Chinese squad.

“They don’t stop attacking,” he said.

“Of course today we lost but we don’t give up on qualification.”

Both China and Cambodia will be back in action at McEwen Reserve on Friday with China taking on the Northern Mariana Islands at 3pm and Cambodia facing Australia at 7:30pm.

Tickets to the event are free and available at https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/afc-u17-asian-cup-qualifiers-group-g-1089649.

Key performer — Wang Yudong, China

Yudong put an impressive display up front for China, playing a key role in the side’s opening round win. A quintessential number nine, the big bodied finisher scored three impressive goals and is sure to provide headaches for defenders throughout his team’s next two games.