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E-mail Xinhua, January 18, 2024
China got another goalless draw at the AFC Asian Cup after being held 0-0 with Lebanon in the second round of Group A on Wednesday.
Wu Xi (L) of China vies for a header against Kassem El Zein (C) and Walid Shour of Lebanon during the Group A match between China and Lebanon at AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023 in Doha, Qatar, Jan. 17, 2024. (Xinhua/Cao Can)
In the first round of the tournament, China had a 0-0 draw with Tajikistan, while Lebanon lost to host Qatar 3-0.
Both sides were desperately seeking a win to keep their chances of advancing to the knockout stage alive.
Chinese team head coach Aleksandar Jankovic, who admitted that his team were a little nervous in the opening match, made two changes in his familiar 5-3-2 starting lineup, with Tan Long, Wang Qiuming being replaced by Zhang Yuning and Xu Xin.
Both teams had a few chances in the match but missed them all. In the 45th minute, Zhang unleashed two consecutive strikes in the penalty area which were saved by Lebanese goalkeeper Ostafa Matar.
Lebanon was close to open scoring in the stoppage time of first half, but Hassan Maatouk's right footed shot from outside the box went off the crossbar in a counterattack.
The Lebanese side hit the woodwork again in the 52nd minute by Hasan Srour following a combination play with Bassel Jradi.
In the 65th minute, Wu Lei had the best opportunity of match but his close range shot was cleared before the goal line, after Dai Weijun crossed the ball into the goal area.
After the disappointing draw, China, with two points, will take on host Qatar in the third round next Monday, while Lebanon is set to play against Tajikistan at the same time.
Zhang Yuning (R) of China shoots against Kassem El Zein of Lebanon during the Group A match between China and Lebanon at AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023 in Doha, Qatar, Jan. 17, 2024. (Xinhua/Cao Can)
China still has hope to qualify with at least a draw in the third round as six group winners and runners-up will advance to the knockout stage, along with the four best third-placed teams.
China, two-time Asia Cup runners-up, have reached the quarterfinals in the past two editions.
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