Two goals from Wang Yongpo helped China beat the UAE 2-1 and
tighten their grip atop Group B in the AFC Youth Championship at
the Salt Late Stadium on Wednesday.
?
China have six points from two games, followed by Australia and
Thailand, who are both on three points. The UAE have yet to open
their account.
Wang Yongpo opened the scoring from the spot in the fifth minute
and made it 2-0 a minute into the restart. UAE reduced the deficit
through Mubarak Mesmari in the 50th minute.
China were awarded a penalty in the fifth minute due to a
reckless tackle by UAE defender Musallem Al Hamadani on WAng
Yongpo. The fiery forward made no mistake in putting his side
ahead.
Wang almost doubled the lead in the 13th minute when his header
found the net but Kuwaiti referee Qasem Shaban disallowed the goal
due to his foul on a UAE defender.
Wang, however, netted his second goal immediately into the
restart when a blunder by Al Hamadani allowed him to head home with
ease.
UAE pulled one back four minutes later when Mesmari's scorcher
on a loose ball stormed into the net.
UAE were reduced to 10 men when Mesmari picked up his second
yellow card of the match. The UAE made repeated forays towards the
end in search for an equaliser but the Chinese defenders ensured
three points for their side.
Chinese goalkeeper Wang Dalei, who struts his stuff for Shanghai
United and was recently named the Chinese Super League's Best
Newcomer, made an outstanding save in the dying moments off an
Abdulla Al Jaberi shot.
China will lock horns with Thailand on November 3 while the UAE
face Australia on the same day.
(AFC November 2, 2006)
