Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
With the AFC U23 Championship edging ever closer, join the-afc.com as we continue our look at the teams who will be vying for honours in Qatar, at a tournament that also doubles as the qualifiers for the men’s football tournament at the 2016 Olympic Games.
CHINA
After a disappointing debut at the inaugural tournament two years ago, when they finished bottom of their group after three successive defeats, China will be determined to put in a better showing in Qatar after qualifying for the 2016 AFC U23 Championship in impressive fashion.
China kicked-off their qualifying campaign with back-to-back 5-0 victories over Mongolia and Singapore to set up a top-of-the-table clash with Group J hosts Laos, which the ended with a comfortable 3-0 win for the East Asians as Fu Bo’s side departed Vientiane with a 100% record.
China’s 13 qualifying goals were spread throughout the team with five players scoring twice while coach Fu also has at his disposal three squad member who have experience with clubs in Europe namely Zhang Yuning, who signed for Dutch side Vitesse last July, and substitute goalkeeper Yeerjieti Yeerzati and defender Chen Zhechao, who play in the Portuguese lower leagues with Gondomar and Torreense respectively.
China’s Group A Fixtures
January 12: China v Qatar (Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium, Doha)
January 15: China v Syria (Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium, Doha)
January 18: China v Iran (Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium, Doha)