FOOTBALL – IRAQ and China battled to a 0-0 draw in their AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026 Group D opener yesterday.
The stalemate leaves the teams two points behind Australia, who kicked off their campaign with a 2-1 win against Thailand in the earlier match.
The game got off to a cagey start with China losing Bao Shimeng to injury as early as the fourth minute with Yang Xi slotting into the three-man midfield alongside Xu Bin and Li Zhenquan.
Iraq had the first look on goal in the 11th minute with Abdulrazzaq Qasim pouncing on a stray pass but sending his long-range effort wide.
China finally kicked into gear 10 minutes later when Wang Yudong sent a pin-point cross to Wang Bohao, who angled his header just wide of the left post.
Iraq almost conceded four minutes later when Li Zhenquan capitalised on a poor clearance at the edge of the area and cut the ball back into the box for Yang Xi, who skied his shot from close range.
The West Asian side kept the door shut for the remainder of the half with Wang Yudong seeing his overhead kick sail over the bar in the 40th minute before Qasim tried from distance, drawing a save from Li Hao.
China almost opened their account a minute after the break with Wang Yudong sending a delightful cross into the box which was meant for Yang Xi who, however, mistimed his run at the far post.
Iraq were let off the hook again in the 55th minute when Yang Xi’s deep cross found Wang Yudong, but the Zhejiang FC forward sent his volley straight into the arms of Iraq custodian Layth Sajid.
Ali Mokhalad missed the chance to put Iraq ahead in the 63rd minute when he sent a tame effort into the path of Li Hao, who later deflected the Al Karma Sports Club defender’s drive from above the area.
Iraq could have won it right at the end through Aymen Luay who, however, found Li Hao in fine form as the China keeper saved both of the forward’s goal-bound headers.
Iraq face Thailand next on Sunday with China taking on Australia.
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