CANBERRA, May 31 (Xinhua) -- Despite conceding a 95th-minute goal, China held hosts Australia to a 1-1 draw in a women's soccer friendly in Adelaide on Friday night.

This was the first high-level international match for the Chinese team since Australian Ante Milicic took the reins of the Steel Roses on May 11.

Midfielder Zhang Linyan put China 1-0 ahead in the 30th minute when forward Wurigumula out-muscled Australian defender Kaitlyn Torpey and put a cross to the near post where Zhang flicked her shot past the Australian goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold into the far corner.

Zhang's strike marked the culmination of the first half where the Chinese team had superiority. Despite having less possession, China registered three shots on goal in the first half compared to zero for the Matildas.

Defender Chen Qiaozhu also starred for the Chinese team, repeatedly shutting down Australia's attempts to attack on the right wing.

The Matildas were stronger in the second half, registering eight shots on goal in front of the home crowd of 52,912 people.

The Chinese defense faltered in the final minute of injury time when Australian veteran Michelle Heyman pounced on a loose ball from a free kick to equalize.

The two teams will meet again in Sydney on Monday. Enditem

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