DALIAN, Oct. 28 (Xinhua) -- China qualified for the AFC U17 Asian Cup finals as one of the five best second-placed teams in the qualification stage, the team confirmed late Sunday night after a 2-2 draw with South Korea in the final game of Group C.
South Korea topped the group, with China finishing second due to an inferior goal difference.
"We made it, China have reached the U17 Asian Cup finals as one of the best five second-placed teams," the Chinese team announced on its social media account.
China, having defeated Bahrain, Bhutan, and the Maldives earlier in the tournament, started their game against South Korea poorly.
Less than nine minutes into the game, South Korean striker Jun Min-seung slotted home from close range after a blocked free kick, putting China 1-0 behind.
China responded by imposing their game, forcing South Korea onto the back foot. Their sustained pressure paid off in the 45th minute when midfielder Yao Junyu scored the equalizer.
In the 66th minute, China were awarded a penalty, which forward Wei Xiangxin converted to give the hosts a 2-1 lead.
South Korea regrouped in the final minutes, equalizing in the 87th minute through a penalty by substitute Lee Ji-ho.
The draw allowed both teams to qualify for the finals.
A total of 43 teams were divided into ten groups for the U17 Asian Cup qualifiers. The group winners, along with the five best second-placed teams, will join hosts Saudi Arabia for the finals scheduled from April 3 to 20, 2025. ■
