Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Jiangsu: China claimed their spot at the AFC U-19 Championship Bahrain 2016 on Tuesday thanks to a 3-0 Group I win over DPK Korea who they edged into second place.
Both sides entered the crunch fixture having won their previous two matches and, with all to play for, it was China who drew first blood at the Jiangsu Huai'an Sports Centre Stadium when Zhang Yuning scored in the 37th minute.
Head coach Li Ming’s charges duly extended their lead a mere two minutes later, courtesy of a strike from Lin Liangming that handed China a 2-0 half-time lead.
Midfielder Lin bagged his second in the 61st minute to effectively end the game as a contest and ensure China, who saw substitute Zhao Jianfei dismissed for a second yellow card late on, of a place in next year’s continental gathering.
Meanwhile, a Muhammad Jafri Chew hat-trick helped Malaysia beat Macau 4-1 to claim third spot and end their qualifying campaign on a winning note.
The Malaysian captain opened the scoring in the third minute only for Jorge Vitorino to level matters for rock bottom Macau on 49 minutes.
However, Muhammad Danial Ashraf Abdullah handed Malaysia the lead once again shortly after the hour mark, before Muhammad Jafri completed his treble with goals in the 69th and 82nd minutes.
Ten group winners and five (to be confirmed in due course) best second-placed teams will qualify for the finals while hosts Bahrain received an automatic qualification (total 16 teams).