Players of China celebrate after scoring a goal in the Under-16 Chinese Football Association (CFA) Team China International Tournament game against Saudi Arabia in Hohhot, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, May 28, 2025. /VCG
China defeated Saudi Arabia 2-1 in the opener at the Under-16 Chinese Football Association (CFA) Team China International Tournament in Hohhot, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, on Wednesday.
The hosts showed great offensive aggression from the beginning, First they created a quick threat against Saudi Arabia's goal with a series of crisp passes inside the box in the fourth minute. Though that attack ended fruitless, China netted first eight minutes later. Goalkeeper Xu Zengfu's long pass was headed by Kuang Zhaolei to He Saifan who cut into the box. He then chipped the ball over the goalie to build a 1-0 lead for China.
Saudi Arabia enhanced their offense after trailing on the field. In the 68th minute, Nawaf Abdullah scored the equalizer from close range.
China responded with more fierce attacks and their efforts paid off during stoppage time. In the 91st minute, Xie Jin's cross from the right wing found Shuai Weihao who scored a header for their side to win 2-1 at home.
China will face Vietnam on Friday.