China suffered a narrow 2-1 defeat to host Saudi Arabia in its opening match as the 2025 AFC U17 Asian Cup kicked off in the Saudi city of Taif on Thursday.

Saudi Arabia took the lead in the 11th minute when onrushing goalkeeper Yihesan Yilamu slipped, leaving an open goal for Abdulhadi Matari to calmly slot home. The host doubled its lead in first-half stoppage time, as Osamah Al Daghmah finished off a counterattack.

China managed to pull one back deep into second-half injury time when Wei Xiangxin cut inside from the left and fired into the near corner.

A total of 16 teams are divided into four groups. China has been drawn into Group A along with Saudi Arabia, Uzbekistan, and Thailand.

Earlier in the day, Uzbekistan registered a convincing 4-1 win over Thailand.

China faces Uzbekistan on Sunday, while Saudi Arabia encounters Thailand.

The tournament also serves as the Asian qualifiers for the FIFA U17 World Cup, to be held later this year in Qatar, with the top two teams from each group securing direct qualification.