AFC U17 Asian Cup
China PR’s reward is a last four tie against either Vietnam or Australia, who will square off in their quarter-final on Saturday.
Both teams jostled for early control but it was China PR who almost went ahead in the 11th minute after Zhang Xuyao latched onto Zhou Yunuo’s layoff, only for the Shandong Taishan FC defender to fire just wide of the left post.
Abdullah Al Mas was put under pressure moments later with Zhao Songyuan testing the Saudi Arabia goalkeeper from distance before Wan Xiang came close a minute later with his effort from 35 yards out.
Abdullah Al Mas was put under pressure moments later with Zhao Songyuan testing the Saudi Arabia goalkeeper from distance before Wan Xiang came close a minute later with his effort from 35 yards out.
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However, Saudi Arabia’s patience was finally rewarded in the 21st minute when Ammar Maimani drove into the box on the left before slipping a neat through ball for Faisal Bayomi to convert from close range.
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Saudi Arabia’s lead lasted only six minutes as Kuang Zhaolei found Wan Xiang inside the box, with the Red Star Belgrade midfielder turning past his marker before slotting the ball into the bottom left corner.
Both teams continued pushing hard with Faris Bu Shaqraa seeing his close-range effort go wide of the left post in the 31st minute while Abdullah Al Batli’s long-range effort sailed over the bar.
Both teams continued pushing hard with Faris Bu Shaqraa seeing his close-range effort go wide of the left post in the 31st minute while Abdullah Al Batli’s long-range effort sailed over the bar.
Q-final: Saudi Arabia v China PR
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The momentum shifted in favour of China PR after the break with Al Mas parrying Shuai Weihao’s powerful drive from inside the area in the 51st minute before denying the forward from close range, with Zhao Songyuan then seeing his headed attempt sail over the bar.
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China PR’s aggression paid off eight minutes later with He Sifan nodding a cross into the path of Zhao Songyuan, who reacted quickest inside the six-yard-box to finish past the onrushing Al Mas from close range.
Saudi Arabia upped their tempo in search of the equaliser with Zaid Al Buri seeing his attempt from inside the box saved, while Yahya Saeed and Jawad Al Hashim both failed to find the target with five minutes left in the tie.
Saudi Arabia upped their tempo in search of the equaliser with Zaid Al Buri seeing his attempt from inside the box saved, while Yahya Saeed and Jawad Al Hashim both failed to find the target with five minutes left in the tie.
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That was to cost the hosts as China PR saved their best for stoppage time, with He Sifan dribbling past two players before unleashing a powerful drive from distance which saw the ball hitting the underside of the bar before crossing the line to break Saudi Arabia’s hearts.
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