China coach Zhang Ning hailed his side's self-belief as they edged Turkmenistan 2-1 in their AFC U-16 Championship opener.TASHKENT – Coach Zhang Ning hailed his side’s belief and determination after China edged out Turkmenistan in their AFC U-16 Championship Group C opener on Sunday.
China dominated the contest at Pakhtakor Stadium and had the majority of the chances, but Turkmenistan looked liked they had done enough to earn a point until Guo Yi’s 83rd minute sliced cross beat goalkeeper Kurbanmurad Karayev at his near post.
“We always believed we could win the game which was important. We knew it would be difficult and it was difficult, but we had belief we could win,” said Zhang.
“There is a strong spirit within the team and that is very important in a game like that.”
China had dominated from the start but fell behind as Didar Durdiyev’s 30th minute free-kick handed Turkmenistan the lead against the run of play.
But the lead lasted just two minutes as Nan Yunqi equalised for China with a near post finish.
In the second half, China continued to dominate but they failed to convert as Karayev denied Guo and Jiang Xiaochen, while Zheng Kaimu blazed into the side netting and Sun Dong fired wide, until Guo’s late heroics which left the Turkmenistan devastated.
Zhang, who admitted his lack of knowledge about the Turkmenistan team made his task difficult, was quick to acknowledge the performance of Karayev and his defence but will hope for more quality in front of goal in Tuesday’s meeting with Australia.
“The Turkmenistan goalkeeper and defence performed very well. But we should have more self-confidence when we have chances and take them, they need to learn that,” he added.
“The Turkmenistan team were very well prepared and did very well in defence. We had a lot of chances, but that does not mean our strikers played badly, Turkmenistan’s defence played very well.”
Like Zhang, Turkmenistan coach Amanklych Kochumov admitted his lack of information about his opponents was a disadvantage but was pleased with his side’s display.
“We did now know anything about China, we did not have any information and did know what to expect. We knew they have a lot of experience and are strong, but it was hard as we did not know what to expect,” he said.
“I am pleased with the way the team played, they played to the plan, but we were always going to struggle as we did not know anything about our opposition and how they would play.”
Source:The AFC.com
