Tuning up: China’s under-17 side is put through its paces at Shepparton Sports City Precinct ahead of the side’s three qualifiers this week. Photo: AFC/Mark Avellino
Photo by
Mark Avellino Photography
China PR will commence its AFC U17 Asian Cup qualification campaign this week and will take to the pitch at McEwen Reserve a relatively unknown force.
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The future stars of China’s ‘‘Dragons Team’’ will get the Group G qualifiers under way at McEwen Reserve today, set to clash with Cambodia at 3pm.
Having travelled no less than 9000km for this week’s matches, coach Yang Chen said his side had made every preparation possible in the lead-up.
“We are very glad to be in this beautiful city of Shepparton,” Chen said.
“We have made very accurate preparations for this competition, the team is ready and we are hoping to deliver some great performances in our matches.”
Chen didn’t mince words when it came to his side’s goals, with 2023 AFC U17 Asian Cup qualification and a finish atop Group G a clear focus.
Listen in: China coach Yang Chen addresses his side during training this week. Photo: AFC/Mark Avellino
Photo by
Mark Avellino Photography
“We hope we can deliver a beautiful game for all of the fans in Shepparton,” Chen said.
“Our goal is very clear and precise — it’s to win and be top of the group, to qualify for the finals of the competition.”
A tactical focus would take precedence, Chen said, against three sides China would not be taking for granted.
“All three teams in this group are very strong, we will make detailed analysis of each game, we hope to play well in every single game,” he said.
China takes on Cambodia at 3pm today at McEwen Reserve, Shepparton, before a meeting with Northern Mariana Islands on Friday, also at 3pm.
A Sunday afternoon match-up with Australia rounds out the week for Chen’s men.
Fully focused: China coach Yang Chen speaks to media ahead of the Group G AFC Under-17 Asian Cup qualifiers this week.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
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