China's U22 football team triumphed at the International Invitation Tournament in Yancheng, securing the championship title with an unbeaten run after a tense 1-1 draw against Vietnam on Tuesday. The tournament, held in Jiangsu Province, showcased emerging talent from Asia's youth squads.
The hosts faced early drama when Kuai Jiwen's first-half shot struck the crossbar, narrowly missing an opening goal. Vietnam struck first through Nguyen Quoc Viet's 31st-minute finish, but China responded decisively in the second half. A penalty earned by Mutellip Iminqari led to Afrden Asqer’s equalizer in the 71st minute, despite later being reduced to 10 men following Zhang Yixuan's second yellow card.
China entered the final match buoyed by a 1-0 victory over South Korea and a stalemate with Uzbekistan. Their five-point tally cemented their status as tournament champions, marking a milestone for youth football development in the region.
The event highlighted growing competitiveness in Asian youth football, offering insights for sports analysts and stirring pride among diaspora communities. For travelers and locals alike, Yancheng's role as host reinforced Jiangsu's emerging status as a hub for international sporting events.
