参考消息

China got off to a promising start in their AFC U17 Asian Cup qualifying campaign with a 2-0 win over Bahrain in Group C on

Forward Aibibula Nueraji put China ahead with a deft chipped goal in the second minute, before midfielder Bian Yulang's strike on the hour mark sealed the win for the hosts.

Another Chinese midfielder Yao Junyu, who came on in the second half, hit the crossbar with a free kick in the 78th minute.

Bahrain struggled under the relentless attack from China, failing to create any convincing chance throughout the game.

China take on Bhutan in their next group game on Wednesday, before facing the Maldives and South Korea.

A total of 43 teams were divided into 10 groups in the qualifiers, and the group winners along with the best five second-placed teams will join hosts Saudi Arabia for the finals, scheduled from April 3 to 20, 2025.