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Striker Zhu Ting scored the lone goal as China
withstood a late Syrian barrage at the Perak Stadium on Wednesday to
advance to the final of the AFC Youth Championship 2004.
Zhu kept
his cool to net a fine goal nine minutes into the second half after Hamzeh
Al Aitoni's attempted clearance had been blocked by Zhou Haibin. The
Chinese forward picked up the loose ball and sidestepped a sliding challenge by Salah
Shahrour before slipping the ball past goalkeeper Adnan Al Hafez for the
winner.
The Syrians laid siege to the China goal in the final
half-hour as they desperately chased an equalizer, but profligate finishing ultimately proved
costly for the Middle Eastern side as they fell to a 1-0 defeat.
The Chinese enjoyed a bright start to the game as midfielder Wang
Hongliang fired a fierce shot from the left edge of the Syrian box that
was pushed out by goalkeeper Adnan Al Hafez.
Syria responded with
an effort from 25 metres by Abdul Alrazak Al Housani that was turned aside
by China goalie Guan Zhen.
Ren Yongshun had a chance to break the
deadlock when he headed wide from in front of goal 11 minutes before the
break.
China continued to attack at the start of the second half
and only a last ditch tackle by a Syrian defender prevented Chen Tao from
putting China ahead.
However, their pressure finally paid off in
the 54th minute when Syria's blocked clearance found the lurking Zhu Ting, who tucked away the
opening goal.
China threatened to add to their lead as Zhu Ting
narrowly failed to connect with a cross from the right while Liu Yu's
attempted flick was stopped by Al Hafez.
The final half-hour was
completely dominated by Syria. Skipper Majed Al Haj outpaced the Syria
defence down the right wing before cutting in towards goal and putting his
shot wide of the far post.
Samer Nahlous and Adbul Fattah Alaga
both sent headers wide while substitute Meaataz Kailouni missed two good
chances, with a volley from the left flying over and a looping shot from
the edge of the box just clearing the goalkeeper and crossbar.
With
the win, China reached the final of the competition for the fourth time.
They will be looking to claim only their second Asian Youth title when
they meet 10-time champions Korea Republic at the Cheras Stadium in Kuala
Lumpur on Saturday evening.
(Agencies) | 
Updated: 2004-10-08 10:06
