Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Nanjing: China PR’s 2017 AFC U-19 Women’s Championship campaign got off to a winning start, as Hesterine de Reus’ side produced a goal in each half to account for Uzbekistan with a 2-0 victory at Jiangging Sports Centre Stadium on Sunday.
Uzbekistan showed they were no pushovers, but goals from Chen Yuanmeng (picture above) and Liu Jinh helped China PR get off on the right foot.
China PR head coach de Reus lived up to her pre-tournament promise of a young team, selecting a starting 11 featuring four 17-year-olds, and one of China’s youngsters produced the tournament’s opening goal in the 19th minute.
After an even opening period, Chen Yuanmeng got on the end of a sumptuous pass by Xie Qiwen before rolling the ball past Uzbekistan goalkeeper Maftuna Jonimqulova to put the hosts in the driver’s seat.
Before that goal, Uzbekistan had started confidently, and it seemed hard to believe they had lost 9-0 when these teams met in the corresponding match two years ago, but the home side’s pressure and movement meant they took more control as the half wore on.
With Zhao Yuji exerting increasing influence in her role just behind the striker, China PR regularly looked on the verge of doubling their lead but Bahrom Norsafarov’s side defended strongly, and the teams went to half-time separated by a single goal.
https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/china_liu_20jinh_jpg.html
