Players for China celebrate a goal during the 2nd round match of the AFC U-20 Women's Asian Cup qualification against Chinese Taipei at the Thuwana Stadium in Yangon, Myanmar on June 6, 2023. (Photo by Myo Kyaw Soe/Xinhua)
China had a winning start in the 2nd round of the 2024 AFC U-20 Women's Asian Cup qualification, defeating Chinese Taipei 1-0.
YANGON, June 6 (Xinhua) -- China started the 2nd round of the 2024 AFC U-20 Women's Asian Cup qualification by beating Chinese Taipei 1-0 here on Tuesday.
At the Thuwunna Stadium in the evening, Lu Jiayu headed the lone goal on Wang Aifang's cross in the 65th minute.
"We can see that Chinese Taipei played more defending. Actually today's match was a little bit lower than my expectations," said China's head coach Wang Jun at a post-match press conference.
Yin Lihong (R) of China vies with Chang En-Tien of Chinese Taipei during the match. (Photo by Myo Kyaw Soe/Xinhua)
Also on Tuesday, host Myanmar thrashed Nepal 5-0 in Group B, with goals scored by Zin Moe Pyae, Yin Loon Eain and Yoon Wadi Hlaing.
The remaining matches of Group B will be played on June 8 and 10.
Group B consists of China, Myanmar, Nepal, and Chinese Taipei, while Group A includes Australia, Vietnam, Iran, and Lebanon.
Following a round-robin format, top two teams from each group will qualify for the finals of the tournament.
They will be joined by the top three teams from the 2019 AFC U-19 Women's Championship - Japan, DPR Korea and South Korea - as well as host Uzbekistan.
The 2024 AFC U-20 Women's Asian Cup is scheduled to take place from March 3 to 16, 2024. ■
