In their latest Group A qualifier for the 2026 AFC U-17 Asian Cup, China’s U-17 team thumped Sri Lanka 8-0 on home soil in Chongqing, extending their perfect start to 12 points from four games.
Zhao Songyuan opened the scoring in the 12th minute after Zhang Xuyao’s header was parried, marking his 10th goal in just three games. Zhang Xuyao doubled the lead in the 30th minute with a clinical finish from a tight angle, and Kuang Zhaolai tapped in a third just before halftime.
The hosts poured on five more goals after halftime, including a brace from substitute Wan Xiang, to seal an emphatic 8-0 rout and maintain their defensive clean sheet.
China now turns its attention to a pivotal clash with Bangladesh, another unbeaten side on 12 points. A draw will be enough for either team to advance as Group A leaders in a winner-takes-all showdown.
As the qualifiers intensify, China’s blend of prolific attackers and rock-solid defence is setting the standard for youth football across Asia.
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China crushes Sri Lanka 8-0, maintains lead in AFC U-17 qualifiers
cgtn.com
