China won their first match of the AFC Under-19 Women's Championship with a 9-0 victory over Jordan in Group B at Kuala Lumpur Cheras Stadium in Malaysia on Tuesday. 

The favored Chinese side needed to get back to winning ways after suffering a shock 1-0 defeat to Australia in their opening pool match on Sunday.

China, who led 4-0 at half-time, now look certain to secure second place in the group ahead of their final match on Thursday against hosts Malaysia.

Shang Ruiha, the China coach, already has his eye on the semi-finals.

"It's the first time we played against Jordan and, although they lost to us, they have some good players who have some good technical skills. I'm sure they will develop into a good team in the future," said Shang.

"As for us, we wanted to go forward more than we did against Australia so we fielded more attacking players."

"There is still a long way to go but we are looking forward to getting to the semi-finals and then winning the tournament."

Jordan coach Maher Abu Hantash said his game-plan for the match ended after China scored two early goals.

"The idea was to have man-to-man marking and then hit them on the break but our players lost their organization for the first two goals," he said.

"After that, we were not able to do much but I congratulate China on their victory."

China's goals were shared by six players with defenders Weng Xinzhi and Wang Dongni and forward Ma Xiaoxu each grabbing a brace.

Zi Jingling, Zhang Weishuang and Meng Yali chipped in with a goal each.

Jordan, aiming to finish at least third in the pool, end their Group B campaign against Australia on Thursday.

(CRI English April 12, 2006)