AsianCup2023 | Group A : China PR 0 - 0 Tajikistan
China PR face debutant Tajikistan in Group A,
hoping to keep up the pressure on Host Qatar,
who defeated Lebanon 3-0 in the tournament opener.
China PR have won their opener
in each of the last four AFC Asian Cups.
They will also be looking to their extra experience
to get them over the line,
but come into the AFC Asian Cup on a three-match losing run.
Tajikistan have qualified for their first major tournament
but have to make do without key players
Manushe Jalilov and Amirbek Yoruboyev.
Tajikistan off to an excellent start
as we come into the 25th minute.
Jalilov here just cutting inside,
might think about having a shot,
he takes it on and it's a superb save from Yan Junling.
First shot in any real anger in this game
and Jalilov hitting one superbly.
Tajikistan continuing to come forward
just one minute later here.
The Davidson's really turning the screw
as Jalilov might have another chance
and he just drags it wide.
His shot coming in on the turn
and he's unlucky to see it go wide of the post.
A little error there from the Chinese keeper
in the 32nd minute,
inviting the pressure on to them here
as is another effort there from Jalilov.
He's really turning it on against the Chinese
as he tests Yan Junling once again.
It's another wonderful stop to turn it away.
Into the 35th minute,
finally China starting to come to life.
They have a corner here as the shot is driven in low
and somehow the defender manages to deflect it out
for another corner.
It's Wan Quming with the effort
and Safarov gets it away.
Halftime, goalless but Tajikistan will think
they should be ahead
and they start the second half on top as well.
Just a couple of minutes in,
the cross towards Jalilov
and it's a wonderful effort.
It's deflected wide.
A great gymnastic overhead kick here
and off the defender's back and away to safety.
China really under the cosh.
Ten minutes into the second half
as we see clever play from this corner.
It's on with the chance and the precise effort
but it just rolls wide.
You can see exactly what he's trying to do there.
Twelve minutes to go
and China finally getting a foothold in the game
It's cleared from inside the six yard area
and the final effort is looped into the arms of Yatimov.
It's desperate defending here from Tajikistan.
Just a couple of minutes later
as Shushin on a sub goes for glory
and it's another save from Yatimov.
He's really stretched this time.
Superb technique from Shushin.
China really ramping up the pressure now.
Corner.
Comes in, it's right on the money
and Xu Xinjie heads it home.
However, the referee is called over to the screen
and it is ruled out for offside.
We remain goalless in the final five minutes of the match.
China really coming on strong
as the next cross comes in
and the header is over by Xi Pingfei.
Should have done better.
Full time, nil-nil.
Tajikistan fully deserving of a point
on their AFC Asian Cup debut.
China PR flattering to deceive.
They will have to improve in their next match against Lebanon.
Tajikistan are up against host Qatar.