YINCHUAN, July 5 (Xinhua) -- China started the four-team CFA Team China International Youth Football Tournament with a 3-0 win over Australia on Sunday in front of more than 26,000 home fans.
China U17 team struck early when Shuai Weihao capitalized on a goalkeeping error in the sixth minute after being set up by Xu Zhengpeng.
Australia responded with sustained pressure before halftime, but goalkeeper Jiang Chengen made several important saves to preserve China's lead.
The hosts took control after the break with a more aggressive pressing game. Zhao Songyuan doubled the advantage in the 54th minute, heading home Xu's cross following a corner, before Sun Chenxi sealed the victory with an 88th-minute goal.
Head coach Bin Ukishima said his side struggled to impose its pressing game in the opening half but responded well after tactical adjustments during the interval.
"The players executed our game plan much better in the second half," he said. "Our pressing limited the opponent more effectively, and our defense created opportunities for smooth attacking transitions."
The victory came against an Australia side featuring an almost entirely new squad since the teams last met in the AFC U17 Asian Cup semifinals, where China won 2-0 to qualify for the 2026 FIFA U-17 World Cup.
Ukishima said Australia's revamped lineup made pre-match preparation more challenging, but added that his team focused on the opponent's established style of play.
"I'm very happy with how well the players carried out our tactics," he said.
Zhao praised the team's resilience and cohesion despite changes to the squad since the Asian Cup.
"We stayed together when the game became difficult and didn't allow them many clear chances," Zhao said. "We still have areas to improve, but the understanding between different combinations of players has been very good."
Australia coach Carl Veart said the result was disappointing but that the match provided valuable experience for his young squad, many of whom were playing together for the first time.
"It was a very good match and a great experience for our players," Veart said. "Most of these boys have never played in front of such a big and passionate crowd."
Veart said his team faded physically late in the game, leaving too much space defensively, but was satisfied with the overall performance.
"We're trying to build depth in our squad and prepare for the U17 World Cup," he said. "We'll take a lot from this match, and I'm confident the players will improve over the next games."
In Saturday's opening match, Tanzania defeated Nigeria 3-2.
China will face Tanzania on Wednesday before taking on Nigeria on Saturday. ■
