Players of China celebrate a goal during the football match between China U-23 and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) U-23 at 2026 CFA Team China International Youth Tournament in Xi'an, northwest China's Shaanxi Province, March 28, 2026. (Xinhua/Shao Rui)
XI'AN, March 28 (Xinhua) -- Xiang Yuwang converted a late penalty as China's under-23 men's team managed a 1-1 draw against the DPR Korea at the International Youth Tournament here on Saturday.
China made six changes to its starting lineup from Wednesday's 2-2 draw with Thailand.
The DPR Korea threatened early when Choe Ryong-il's long-range effort was saved by goalkeeper Yao Haoyang, and the visitors took the lead in the 23rd minute as Ryang Kwang-myong converted from close range after a rebound, as China struggled to create clear chances before halftime.
The DPR Korea nearly doubled its advantage early in the second half, but Ri Il-song's diving header in the 50th minute went wide.
Backed by a crowd of 42,613 at the Xi'an International Football Center, China rotated its squad but found it difficult to break DPR Korea's defense.
The breakthrough came in the 85th minute when Xiang calmly slotted home from the penalty spot, sending the ball into the corner for his second goal of the tournament. The spot kick was awarded after Kim Kwon-song fouled Li Xinxiang in the box.
"The draw tonight thanks to the support from Xi'an fans, as well as my players' passion and effort," said head coach Antonio Puche Vicente.
"It was a tough match. Many of our players are new and still adapting to our tactics. As I said before the tournament, our team is under reconstruction, but their attitude and enthusiasm showed we are moving in the right direction," he added.
The result leaves Thailand two points clear of China in the standings. China next faces Vietnam, which lost 1-0 to Thailand earlier on Saturday.
The tournament will conclude on Tuesday. ■
Players of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) greet spectators after the football match between China U-23 and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) U-23 at 2026 CFA Team China International Youth Tournament in Xi'an, northwest China's Shaanxi Province, March 28, 2026. (Xinhua/Shao Rui)
Players of both sides vie for the ball during the football match between China U-23 and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) U-23 at 2026 CFA Team China International Youth Tournament in Xi'an, northwest China's Shaanxi Province, March 28, 2026. (Xinhua/Shao Rui)
Players of both sides vie for a header during the football match between China U-23 and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) U-23 at 2026 CFA Team China International Youth Tournament in Xi'an, northwest China's Shaanxi Province, March 28, 2026. (Xinhua/Shao Rui)
