afc,u19.qualifiersThe national Under 19 (Harimau Muda C) squad kicked off their campaign in the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) U-19 2016 Qualifier with an embarrassing 0-6 defeat to hosts China in the Group I opening match at the Jiangsu Huai’an Sports Centre Stadium in China Friday.

In the match, striker Zhang Yuning put China 2-0 ahead with a brace through a penalty kick in the 32nd minute and a field goal, two minutes later, AFC website www.the-afc.com reported.

After resumption, the hosts added four more goals through a brace from defender Gao Haisheng in the 48th and 53rd minute, skipper Yao Daogang in the 58th minute before substitute Shan Huanhuan completed the rout in the 87th minute.

In another group I match, North Korea also got off to a perfect start after mauling Macau 6-0.

Malaysia will next take on North Korea while China will play against Macau in the second group match. Both matches will be held on Sunday at the same venue.

Based on the qualifying round format, the best 10 teams and five runners-up from each of the 10 groups will advance to the final round of the tournament alongside Bahrain who gained an automatic slot as the host country.
BERNAMA

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