The China men's national football team stunned Thailand 2-1 on Tuesday night, securing their place at the 2023 AFC Asian Cup by defeating their arch-rivals in a thrilling encounter.
In a match that was full of drama and excitement, China emerged as the victors thanks to two goals from substitute Zhang Yuning and a late header from midfielder Huang Jie. The victory means that China will be among the eight teams that will compete for the top spot in the 2023 AFC Asian Cup.
The match began with both sides looking to take control of the game early on, but it was China who took the lead in the 28th minute when Zhang Yuning scored his first goal for the national team since making his debut against Hong Kong in September 2020.
Thailand responded well to the setback and started to create more chances in the second half, with midfielder Nopporn Thammathit and striker Pannarin Suwanmuang both hitting the woodwork in the opening minutes.
However, it was China who found the breakthrough in the 77th minute when Huang Jie headed home from close range after a cross from substitute Li Weiqun. The goal gave China a 1-0 lead going into added time.
But Thailand refused to give up and came back strong in the final few minutes, creating several opportunities to equalize. However, it was China who held firm and emerged victorious in a tense finish.
The win sends a clear message to the rest of Asia that China is a force to be reckoned with on the international stage and could potentially cause some major upsets in the upcoming AFC Asian Cup. The victory also cements China's position as one of the favorites to win the tournament and secure their place in the FIFA World Cup in Qatar next year.