XI'AN, March 25 (Xinhua) -- China U-23 men's football team came from 2-0 down to draw with Thailand U-23 team 2-2 at 2026 International Youth Tournament here on Wednesday.
In January, the two sides played out a goalless tie at 2026 U23 Asian Cup's group stage. China made massive changes in the starting line-up as some key players were called up by the senior side.
In the 22nd minute, Jehhanafee Mamah gave Thailand a 1-0 lead through a powerful volley. In the 35th minute, Bao Shimeng's error allowed Chawanwit Sealao to make it 2-0 for the away side.
Xiang Yuwang pulled one back for the home side in the 49th minute. 18 minutes later, substitute striker Li Xinxiang leveled the game from a close range on Chen Zeshi's long pass.
"We didn't find our pace in the first half, and lacked some attacking strength, in the second half, we have improved a lot," said Antonio Puche Vicente, head coach of China.
"We won't stay focused on the result. We have many new faces, I need to observe them more in the tournament. We have to establish a competitive team representing China in the upcoming Asian Games through playing the tournament," The Spanish added.
China will next play against Democratic People's Republic of Korea who tied with Vietnam 1-1 in an earlier fixture on Wednesday. ■
