India U23 vs China U23: Football is a game of razor-thin margins, as India’s U-23 squad discovered in their Group G match against hosts China PR in the AFC U23 Asian Cup Qualifiers. Clifford Miranda’s motivated squad’s courageous effort was not enough, as they found themselves on the wrong side of a 2-1 scoreline due to a few breakdowns at the back.
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After a neck-to-neck battle for more than an hour, in which the Indians did a commendable job, the deadlock was broken in the 68th minute when Vibin Mohanan conceded a penalty off a sliding tackle, easily converted by China’s captain Tao Qianglong.
However, India managed to level the score in the 92nd minute thanks to an own goal by China. Narender Gehlot took a smart low drive from a melee and the ball hit China’s Hu Hetao before rolling into the net. Just when it seemed the match was heading for a draw, China’s Naibijiang Mohemaiti struck the winning goal in the 96th minute, leaving India a dejected lot.
This defeat was particularly significant after India’s opening match was cancelled due to The Maldives’ last-minute withdrawal from the tournament. As a result, Group G featured only three teams, India, UAE, and hosts China PR. With this loss, India faces a tough challenge to qualify from the group. China’s victory propelled them to the top of the group with four points, while India are yet to earn a point. To have any hope of qualifying, India must secure a substantial win against the UAE on September 12 and rely on favourable results in other matches.
India U23 vs China U23 Starting XI:
India U23 Starting XI:
Prabhsukhan Singh Gill, Sumit Rathi, Narender, Jitendra Singh, Siva Sakthi Narayanan (C), Rohit Danu, Parthib Sundar Gogoi, Sanjeev Stalin, Vibin Mohanan, Thoiba Moirangthem, Suhail Ahmad Bhat
China U23 Starting XI:
Jian Tao, Hu Hetao, Liu Haofan, Liang Shaowen, Zhu Yue, Tao Qianglong (C), Jia Feifan, Aifeierding Aisikaer, Yang Zihao, Duan Dezhi, Mutalifu Yimingkari
