 China got another goalless draw at the AFC Asian Cup after being held 0-0 by Lebanon in the second round of Group A. In the first round, China had a 0-0 draw with Tajikistan, while Lebanon lost to host Qatar 3-0. Both China and Lebanon were desperately seeking a win to keep their chances of advancing to the knockout stage alive.In the 45th minute, China’s forward Zhang Yuning unleashed two consecutive strikes in the penalty area which were saved by Lebanese goalkeeper Ostafa Matar, reports Xinhua.Lebanon was close to open scoring in the stoppage time of first half, but Hassan Maatouk’s right footed shot from outside the box went off the crossbar in a counterattack.The Lebanese side hit the woodwork again in the 52nd minute by Hasan Srour following a combination play with Bassel Jradi.In the 65th minute, Chinese striker Wu Lei had the best opportunity of match, but his close range shot was cleared before the goal line, after Dai Weijun crossed the ball into the goal area.In the other match of Group A on Wednesday, Qatar secured a spot in the knockout stage as group winners, beating Tajikistan 1-0 thanks to Akram Afif’s third goal in two matches.In the 17th minute, Almoez Ali’s precise pass from center circle gave Afif one-on-one opportunity to flick the ball home.After the first two rounds, Qatar leads the group with six points, China ranks second with two points, Tajikistan and Lebanon have one point each.China will take on Qatar in the third round next Monday, while Lebanon plays against Tajikistan at the same time.A total of 24 teams are competing in six groups at the ongoing Asian Cup. The top two of each group and the four best third-finishers will advance to the round-of-16 knockout stage.–IANSbc/){kind=link}
Doha, Jan 18 (IANS) China bought one other goalless draw on the AFC Asian Cup after being held 0-0 by Lebanon within the second spherical of Group A. Within the first spherical, China had a 0-0 draw with Tajikistan, whereas Lebanon misplaced to host Qatar 3-0. Each China and Lebanon had been desperately searching for a win to maintain their probabilities of advancing to the knockout stage alive.
Within the forty fifth minute, China’s ahead Zhang Yuning unleashed two consecutive strikes within the penalty space which had been saved by Lebanese goalkeeper Ostafa Matar, reviews Xinhua.
Lebanon was near open scoring within the stoppage time of first half, however Hassan Maatouk’s proper footed shot from outdoors the field went off the crossbar in a counterattack.
The Lebanese aspect hit the woodwork once more within the 52nd minute by Hasan Srour following a mixture play with Bassel Jradi.
Within the sixty fifth minute, Chinese language striker Wu Lei had one of the best alternative of match, however his shut vary shot was cleared earlier than the aim line, after Dai Weijun crossed the ball into the aim space.
Within the different match of Group A on Wednesday, Qatar secured a spot within the knockout stage as group winners, beating Tajikistan 1-0 due to Akram Afif’s third aim in two matches.
Within the seventeenth minute, Almoez Ali’s exact cross from middle circle gave Afif one-on-one alternative to flick the ball house.
After the primary two rounds, Qatar leads the group with six factors, China ranks second with two factors, Tajikistan and Lebanon have one level every.
China will tackle Qatar within the third spherical subsequent Monday, whereas Lebanon performs in opposition to Tajikistan on the similar time.
A complete of 24 groups are competing in six teams on the ongoing Asian Cup. The highest two of every group and the 4 finest third-finishers will advance to the round-of-16 knockout stage.
–IANS
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