The Chinese national women soccer team left Beijing on Tuesday for Japan to compete in the Asian zone qualifying tournament of 2004 Olympics Games scheduled from April 18 to 26 in Tokyo.

The Chinese team, which finished ninth in the World Cup last year, will take on Myanmar on April 18, and play against Guam two days later before challenge South Korea on April 22 in the group competition. Only the group winner qualifies for the Athen Olympics.

The Chinese team, silver medalists at the 1999 World Cup, reshuffled last year. Zhang Haitao replaced head coach Ma Liangxing, and a number of aged players including star Sun Wen andBai Jie retired.

"Our aim is to qualify for the Olympics, and I believe this newteam will perform well,"said coach Zhang.

Source: Xinhua