In the third round of the U17 Asian Cup group stage, China’s under-17 men’s football team secured a dramatic 2-0 victory over Qatar on the morning of May 13. Goals from He Sifan and Zhang Bolin propelled the team from last place to second in the group, earning a spot in the quarterfinals and a berth in the U17 World Cup for the first time in over two decades.
Dubbed the “strongest U17 team in history” before the tournament, China’s young squad — featuring talents like Kuang Zhaolei, Wan Xiang, Xie Jin, Shuai Weihao, Zhao Songyuan, and Zhang Bolin — stumbled early with consecutive losses to Indonesia and Japan, leaving them at the bottom of the group with zero points. However, Qatar’s win over Indonesia in the second round kept China’s hopes alive, setting up a must-win final group match.
Facing Qatar, China needed a victory to advance. The starting lineup included Qin Ziniu, Jin Yucheng, Nan Zixun, Li Junpeng, Zhang Xuyao, Zhou Yunuo, He Sifan, Pan Chaowei, Shuai Weihao, Zhao Songyuan, and Wan Xiang. From the opening whistle, China dominated possession, maintaining over 55% control and creating numerous chances. Center forward Zhao Songyuan tested the Qatari goalkeeper twice in the first 12 minutes with long-range efforts.
The breakthrough came in the 13th minute when He Sifan cut inside from the left and curled a shot into the far corner, putting China 1-0 ahead. The team continued to press, with He Sifan and Shuai Weihao both going close before halftime. By the break, China had 13 shots (5 on target), 83% passing accuracy, and 4 corners, while Qatar managed just one shot on goal.
In the second half, Qatar pushed forward but failed to trouble the Chinese defense. China remained composed and doubled their lead in the 79th minute when Zhang Bolin headed home from a set piece, making it 2-0. The scoreline held until the final whistle, ensuring China’s progression.
With Japan defeating Indonesia in the other match, China climbed from bottom to second in the group on goal difference, securing a quarterfinal spot and a place at the U17 World Cup — ending a 21-year absence from global youth competition.
