The East Asian nation began their latest continental campaign in fine fashion on Matchday One, as Song Duan’s second half brace along with strikes from Wang Shuang and Li Ying helped secure a comfortable 4-0 win over Thailand.

Despite the victory lifting China to pole position in Group A ahead of the Philippines who beat host nation Jordan in their opening fixture, Eyjolfsson is adamant the eight-time Asian Cup champions are focusing solely on the task at hand.

“We had a good start thanks to the win against Thailand, but we now have to be ready to face the Philippines who are a well organised team,” explained the Icelandic tactician.

“We are just concentrating on each match as it comes. We are certainly not thinking about reaching the semi-finals or final. Instead, we are purely focused on Monday’s game versus the Philippines.

“We hope that we will be able to make China very proud of the team,” he added.

A second half brace from Player of the Match Song Duan, along with strikes from Wang Shuang and Li Ying helped seal a morale boosting win for the East Asian nation, a victory that leaves them occupying pole position in the group following Jordan’s 2-1 loss to the Philippines in the day’s later fixture.

In an international debut to cherish, Bolden’s 76th minute strike sealed the Malditas’ come-from-behind 2-1 win over the hosts, and potentially put the Southeast Asians within one win of the semi-finals and a first ever trip to the FIFA Women’s World Cup.

The 21-year-old, who plays her domestic football for Loyola Marymount University in the US college system, savoured her role in the Philippines’ history-making night in Amman.

Song Duan’s second half brace along with strikes from Wang Shuang and Li Ying proved the difference as head coach Sigurdur Eyjolsson’s charges claimed the opening day victory they had craved and pole position in the group ahead of the Philippines who defeated host nation Jordan in the day’s later fixture.

Despite their eventual capitulation and a bout of early Chinese pressure, it was Thailand who were the first to threaten thanks to Suchawadee Nildhamrong’s fifth minute shot from distance that fizzed narrowly wide of Peng Shimeng’s right hand post.

China were quick to reply however, as first Song brought out a fine save from Thailand goalkeeper Waraporn Boonsing on 14 minutes, and Zhang Rui flashed a header over the bar from the resulting corner.

On a night of high emotion at the Amman International Stadium, Bolden’s strike ensured all three points for the Southeast Asians as they secured a vital opening day win and second place in the group behind table-topping China PR who defeated Thailand 4-0 earlier in the day.

After an evenly contested opening, it was Jordan who threatened first, Philippines goalkeeper Kearra Bastes-Jones smartly gathering Maysa Jbarah’s drive from distance on 14 minutes.

With Jordan continuing to press, the breakthrough came just sixty seconds later when the lively Jbarah expertly converted captain Stephanie Al Naber’s pinpoint pass.

Despite their early setback, the Southeast Asians responded brightly, with Maria Park’s curling free-kick forcing Salma Ghazal into a fine save just inches under her crossbar.

As the first half came to a close, Jbarah was desperately close to doubling her side’s advantage but her shot from close-range fizzed narrowly wide of the upright.

Sarina Bolden’s 76th minute goal on her international debut helped seal all three points for the Malditas and left them occupying second place in the group behind table-topping China PR who they are now set to face on Monday.

“I am of course delighted as it is always good to win your opening game at any competition.” Benlarbi explained.

“We prepared a plan of how to play against Jordan, but at the start of the game we made some mistakes and that allowed Jordan some opportunities to score which they did.

“I think that even in the first half – despite conceding – we were a better side than Jordan. I am very proud of the girls, but now we must focus on our upcoming game against China PR on Monday.”

As part of the opening ceremony, the spectators at the sold-out Amman International Stadium were treated to a live performance of the official song of the tournament, ‘Cheer for Her’, performed by Jordanian stars Nidaa Sharara and Hana Malhas.

The lyrics of the official song are in Arabic and English. Last year’s The Voice Arabia winner Nidaa Sharara composed the song and wrote the Arabic words and Hana Malhas is behind the English lyrics. ‘Cheer for Her’ was produced by Hani Assadi/Hani Studios.