China U23 criticized

In the opening match of the 2026 AFC U23 Championship qualifiers held in Xi'an, the Chinese youth team only won a narrow 2-1 victory over Timor Leste.

The 2-1 victory over Timor-Leste was an incomplete start for China U23.

On September 3, the home team’s lackluster performance angered many Chinese fans and football experts. China U23 even had difficulty imposing their style of play against Timor Leste, an opponent that was rated much lower.

At many times, Timor Leste played on par with U23 China, making Chinese fans angry. "Playing at home against Timor Leste but playing poorly, it's unbelievable," commented a fan named Li Ying.

After the match, Titan Sports journalist Ma Dexing pointed out that the lack of training time was the main reason for the team's poor performance. This expert said that China U23 did not have the necessary cohesion, leading to ineffective play and they needed to improve if they did not want to be eliminated.

Only winning 2-1 against Timor Leste puts U23 China at a disadvantage in the race for the top spot in Group D, or in the race for the secondary index if they have to compete in the second group with the best results.

Currently in Group D, U23 China is in second place due to goal difference behind Australia, who just beat the Northern Mariana Islands 14-0. Only the top teams in each group, plus the four best runners-up, will qualify for the 2026 AFC U23 Championship.

Source: https://znews.vn/u23-trung-quoc-bi-chi-trich-post1582333.html