Xu Bin (R) of China competes during the FIFA Series 2026 International Friendly Match between China and Cameroon in Melbourne, Australia, March 31, 2026. (Photo by Jin Cheng/Xinhua)
MELBOURNE, March 31 (Xinhua) -- China fell 2-0 to Cameroon in a FIFA Series match on Tuesday after conceding twice in the opening 10 minutes.
Facing a physically strong Cameroon side ranked inside the world's top 50, China, currently 93rd in the FIFA standings, fielded a heavily rotated lineup featuring six under-23 players in the starting lineup.
Cameroon took control early, with Karl Etta Eyong opening the scoring in the third minute before Saidou Alioum doubled the lead six minutes later.
China improved after the interval and created several chances, including an early effort from substitute Lin Liangming, but was unable to find a breakthrough.
Goalkeeper Yan Junling produced a fine save to keep his side in the contest, while Wei Shihao went close with a curling free kick. Defender Zhu Chenjie also missed a late chance as Cameroon held on to secure the win. ■
Wei Shihao (R) of China progresses during the FIFA Series 2026 International Friendly Match between China and Cameroon in Melbourne, Australia, March 31, 2026. (Photo by Shu Zelin/Xinhua)
Players compete during the FIFA Series 2026 International Friendly Match between China and Cameroon in Melbourne, Australia, March 31, 2026. (Photo by Jin Cheng/Xinhua)
Head Coach of China Shao Jiayi reacts during the FIFA Series 2026 International Friendly Match between China and Cameroon in Melbourne, Australia, March 31, 2026. (Photo by Shu Zelin/Xinhua)
Head Coach of Cameroon David Pagou is sent-off by referee during the FIFA Series 2026 International Friendly Match between China and Cameroon in Melbourne, Australia, March 31, 2026. (Photo by Jin Cheng/Xinhua)
Head Coach of China Shao Jiayi (Rear) reacts during the FIFA Series 2026 International Friendly Match between China and Cameroon in Melbourne, Australia, March 31, 2026. (Photo by Jin Cheng/Xinhua)
Stephane Keller (1st R) of Cameroon is sent-off by referee for 2nd yellow card during the FIFA Series 2026 International Friendly Match between China and Cameroon in Melbourne, Australia, March 31, 2026. (Photo by Jin Cheng/Xinhua)
Yang Xi (L) of China vies with Saidou Alioum of Cameroon during the FIFA Series 2026 International Friendly Match between China and Cameroon in Melbourne, Australia, March 31, 2026. (Photo by Jin Cheng/Xinhua)
Xie Wenneng (L) of China vies with Saidou Alioum of Cameroon during the FIFA Series 2026 International Friendly Match between China and Cameroon in Melbourne, Australia, March 31, 2026. (Photo by Shu Zelin/Xinhua)
Zhang Yuning (1st R) of China reacts after team Cameroon's first goal during the FIFA Series 2026 International Friendly Match between China and Cameroon in Melbourne, Australia, March 31, 2026. (Photo by Jin Cheng/Xinhua)
Behram Abduweli (front) of China vies with Stephane Keller of Cameroon during the FIFA Series 2026 International Friendly Match between China and Cameroon in Melbourne, Australia, March 31, 2026. (Photo by Jin Cheng/Xinhua)
Zhang Yuning of China reacts during the FIFA Series 2026 International Friendly Match between China and Cameroon in Melbourne, Australia, March 31, 2026. (Photo by Jin Cheng/Xinhua)
Team China thanks supporters after the FIFA Series 2026 International Friendly Match between China and Cameroon in Melbourne, Australia, March 31, 2026. (Photo by Shu Zelin/Xinhua)
Starting players of China pose before the FIFA Series 2026 International Friendly Match between China and Cameroon in Melbourne, Australia, March 31, 2026. (Photo by Shu Zelin/Xinhua)
Head Coach of China Shao Jiayi speaks at the press conference after the FIFA Series 2026 International Friendly Match between China and Cameroon in Melbourne, Australia, March 31, 2026. (Photo by Jin Cheng/Xinhua)
