GUIYANG, June 9 (Xinhua) -- China's U23 men's national football team cruised to a 3-0 victory over Tajikistan at the 2026 CFA Team China International Youth Football Tournament in Guiyang, southwest China's Guizhou Province, on Tuesday.
The win also marked China's second consecutive victory over Tajikistan, following a 1-0 triumph in Zunyi, another city in Guizhou, on June 6.
The two friendly matches against Tajikistan form part of China's preparations for the Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan.
In the first meeting on June 6, China secured a last-gasp 1-0 victory thanks to He Yiran's stoppage-time header. Heading into Tuesday's match, the home side was eager to extend its winning streak.
China made a flying start, taking the lead just over a minute into the game when captain Mutalifu Yimingkari capitalized on a defensive error by Tajikistan.
In the 14th minute, Yimulan Maimaiti found himself one-on-one with the goalkeeper after a precise through ball, but his effort was denied by the advancing keeper.
The pressure continued, and in the 36th minute Zhang Aihui rose high to meet Bao Shengxin's corner from the right, heading home to double China's advantage.
After the break, China maintained its high pressing intensity and continued to create scoring opportunities.
In the 67th minute, Mutalifu was brought down following a solo run down the right flank, earning China a penalty. Xiang Yuwang stepped up and calmly converted it to seal the 3-0 victory.
