China stun Saudi Arabia in AFC U20 Asian Cup

Xu Bin (3rd R) of China celebrates scoring with teammates during the Group D match between China and Saudi Arabia of AFC U20 Asian Cup in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, March 6, 2023. (Photo by Che Zhouyong/Xinhua)

TASHKENT, March 6 (Xinhua) -- China beat defending champions Saudi Arabia 2-0 in the group stage of the AFC U20 Asian Cup in Tashkent, Uzbekistan here on Monday.

Mutellip Iminqari put China ahead in the 64th minute when he converted Afrden Asqer's cross from the left, before Xu Bin doubled the lead eight minutes later from the same position.

China could not make an attempt on goal until the 44th minute and had less than 30 percent possession throughout the first half, while Saudi Arabia missed several chances to break the deadlock.

The Saudi attackers' momentum was shattered by China goalkeeper Li Hao's two saves in the 50th minute, and China began to fight back with substitute appearance of Mutellip, who also assisted Xu's goal.

After the win, China are now second in Group D behind Japan and will face Kyrgyzstan on Thursday.

Head coach of China Antonio Puche Vicente (L) celebrates after winning the Group D match between China and Saudi Arabia of AFC U20 Asian Cup in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, March 6, 2023. (Photo by Che Zhouyong/Xinhua)

Players of China celebrate after winning the Group D match between China and Saudi Arabia of AFC U20 Asian Cup in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, March 6, 2023. (Photo by Che Zhouyong/Xinhua)

Xu Bin (bottom) of China celebrates scoring with teammates during the Group D match between China and Saudi Arabia of AFC U20 Asian Cup in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, March 6, 2023. (Photo by Che Zhouyong/Xinhua)

Xu Bin (front) of China celebrates after winning the Group D match between China and Saudi Arabia of AFC U20 Asian Cup in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, March 6, 2023. (Photo by Che Zhouyong/Xinhua)

Baihelamu Abuduwaili controls the ball during the Group D match between China and Saudi Arabia of AFC U20 Asian Cup in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, March 6, 2023. (Photo by Che Zhouyong/Xinhua)

Mutalifu Yimingkari (1st R) of China celebrates scoring during the Group D match between China and Saudi Arabia of AFC U20 Asian Cup in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, March 6, 2023. (Photo by Che Zhouyong/Xinhua)

Xu Bin (R, front) of China vies with Suhayb Ayman Alzaid of Saudi Arabia during the Group D match between China and Saudi Arabia of AFC U20 Asian Cup in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, March 6, 2023. (Photo by Che Zhouyong/Xinhua)

Starting players of China line up prior to the Group D match between China and Saudi Arabia of AFC U20 Asian Cup in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, March 6, 2023. (Photo by Che Zhouyong/Xinhua)

Xu Bin (front) of China celebrates scoring with teammates during the Group D match between China and Saudi Arabia of AFC U20 Asian Cup in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, March 6, 2023. (Photo by Che Zhouyong/Xinhua)

Xu Bin (bottom) of China celebrates scoring with teammates during the Group D match between China and Saudi Arabia of AFC U20 Asian Cup in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, March 6, 2023. (Photo by Che Zhouyong/Xinhua)

Xierzhati Nuer (L) of China vies with Abdullah Hadi Radif of Saudi Arabia during the Group D match between China and Saudi Arabia of AFC U20 Asian Cup in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, March 6, 2023. (Photo by Che Zhouyong/Xinhua)