China loses to Tajikistan in international youth football tournament

IANS

Weinan (China) July 15 (IANS) Tajikistan U-17 football team beat China 1-0 thanks to a Vahdat Hanonov goal in the third and final round of the 2016 Silk Road Cup youth football tournament here on Friday.

Hanonov netted the lone goal in the 61st minute through a sharp counterattack. Hanonov, who showed martial arts when he scored two days ago, played 'bowling' with his teammates this time to celebrate the goal, reports Xinhua.

Enjoying the cheers of more than 21,000 supporters, China took an upper hand easily but could not convert on all 13 attempts. Statistics showed that China had 57 per cent ball possession and 10 corners, but the solid defence of Tajikistan denied the hosts' willingness to win in the battle finally.

"We missed lots of chances in this match and we paid the price," China coach Wen Zhijun said.

In the other match, South Korea won over Turkmenistan 3-0 and claimed the title after three-match winning streak.

--IANS

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Edited by Staff Editor