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E-mail Xinhua, February 19, 2025
Australia scored two goals in two minutes to upset host China 2-1 in on Tuesday, winning the group A of U20 AFC Cup.
The two teams made several changes in their starting line-ups, as they have already secured their spots in the final eight after both beating Qatar and Kyrgyzstan in their first two matches.
Xiong Jizheng (R) of China vies with Paul Okon-Engstler of Australia during the Group A match between China and Australia at the AFC U20 Asian Cup football tournament in Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province, Feb. 18, 2025. (Xinhua/Xin Yuewei)
Australia broke the deadlock in the 23rd minute as Medin Memeti slotted home by China's goalkeeper Liu Qiwei.
The young Socceroos needed only two minutes to double its lead, as Louis Agosti's shot was deflected by Qi Qiancheng into the back of the net.
The host pulled one goal back in the 29th minute when Xu Junchi rolled across from the right, Kuai Jiwen flicked it up into the air before hitting in a volley.
China continued to push for the equalizer but its attempts fell in vain as Australia held firm to finish its group stage with a perfect record.
Having won all three matches, Australia will play the Group B runner-up in the quarterfinal while China will face the Group B winner.
