China's U22 men's football team delivered a spirited performance to defeat South Korea 1-0 in a tightly contested friendly match in Yancheng, Jiangsu Province, on Sunday. Liu Haofan’s 86th-minute rebound goal sealed a dramatic victory for the hosts, offering a glimpse into the rising talent within China’s youth football programs.
The match began with early fireworks as Chen Zeshi’s free kick struck the crossbar, narrowly missing an opener. Midfielder Xu Bin later tested South Korea’s goalkeeper with a thunderous long-range effort, showcasing China’s attacking intent. Despite South Korea’s disciplined defense, the breakthrough came late when Peng Xiao’s header from a corner hit the post, allowing Liu to react swiftly and tap in the winner.
The victory marks a morale-boosting result for China’s youth development initiatives, drawing attention from football enthusiasts and analysts tracking Asia’s sporting landscape. The match, held amid chilly conditions, attracted a passionate local crowd, underscoring football’s growing appeal in the region.
