Australia Crushes Timor-Leste 6–0, China Triumphs 10–0 — Updated Asian Qualifiers Standings See Two Teams Eliminated

On the evening of September 5 (Beijing time), Team China delivered a statement victory in the second round of the 7th U23 Asian Cup Qualifiers, overwhelming the Northern Mariana Islands with an emphatic 10–0 win.

Group D Stakes

China finds itself in Group D alongside Timor-Leste, Northern Mariana Islands, and powerhouse Australia. The qualification stakes are high—only the group winner earns direct passage to the final tournament, while the runner-up must compete with 10 other second-place finishers for just four remaining spots.

In their opening match against Timor-Leste, China’s performance left fans frustrated. Despite dominating with 16 shots and 9 on target, they managed only a narrow 2–1 victory, nearly allowing an equalizer late in the game. Given Timor-Leste’s largely amateur roster, the result was viewed as underwhelming and raised concerns over the team’s sharpness.

That lackluster start meant the clash with the Northern Mariana Islands was seen as a must-win by a large margin to boost goal difference—essential for keeping qualification hopes alive.

Starting XI and Early Pressure

Starting Lineup:
1- Yu Jinyong, 5- Liu Haofan, 15- Peng Xiao, 17- Bao Shimeng, 8- Chen Zhexuan, 11- Kuai Jiwen, 22- Mao Weijie, 23- Li Xinx iang, 7- Xiang Yuwang, 9- Baihelamu, 18- Zhu Pengyu

Substitutes:
12- Huo Shenping, 16- Li Hao, 2- Yang Xi, 3- Zhang Yixuan, 4- Wumitijiang, 19- Hu Hetao, 21- Wang Shiqin, 6- Xu Bin, 10- Wang Yudong, 13- Xierzhati Nur, 14- Yang Haoyu, 20- Li Zhenquan

Just a minute in, Baihelamu thought he’d given China the lead, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside. China then laid siege to the opposition penalty area, with Baihelamu, Zhu Pengyu, and Xiang Yuwang all coming close. Xiang, in particular, squandered at least three golden chances, keeping the scoreline locked.

It wasn’t until first-half stoppage time that the deadlock was broken—Kuai Jiwen burst into the box and saw his shot saved, but Baihelamu was on hand to slot home the rebound for a 1–0 lead.

At halftime, China had dominated possession (84%) and racked up 21 shots (7 on target) and four corners, yet had only one goal to show for their efforts. The Northern Mariana Islands, meanwhile, had not registered a single shot.

Second-Half Explosion

The second half belonged to substitute Wang Yudong, who turned the game into a rout.

• 46' – Delivered a pinpoint lobbed cross for Li Xinx iang’s header.
• 48' – Cut inside from the left to set up Zhu Pengyu’s headed goal.
• 67' – Won and converted a penalty.
• 71' – Curled in a cross that flew straight into the net.

With momentum fully on their side, Kuai Jiwen and Baihelamu added further goals as China cruised to a 10–0 victory—an invaluable boost to their goal difference.

Elsewhere in Group D

Earlier in the day, Australia continued their dominant form, dispatching Timor-Leste 6–0. The Aussies netted three times in the first 13 minutes and added another three after the break, securing back-to-back wins.

Updated Group D Standings (After Two Rounds)

1. Australia – 6 points, +20 goal difference
2. China – 6 points, +11 goal difference
3. Timor-Leste – 0 points, –9 goal difference (eliminated)
4. Northern Mariana Islands – 0 points, –24 goal difference (eliminated)