China players take part in a training session ahead of the AFC Asian Cup in Doha, Qatar on Jan 11, 2024. (PHOTO / XINHUA)

DOHA - With one day to go before the kick-off of the AFC Asian Cup, China forward Wu Lei has expressed his wishes to surpass the team's last-eight finish at the previous Asian Cup.

In the 2019 Asian Cup, China lost to Iran 3-0 in the quarterfinals.

"Everyone is adjusting to the competition condition, both physically and mentally. We are getting better these days here," Wu said.

China was drawn into Group A along with Tajikistan, Lebanon and host Qatar. It faces Tajikistan on Saturday in the first round of group play.

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During their three-week training camp in Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates, Aleksandar Jankovic's side lost to Oman and Hong Kong, China respectively, casting a shadow on their prospects. Nevertheless, Wu has remained confident about their campaign.

"All preparations that we have made, including previous matches and training, are aimed to win our first game. Hopefully we can match our result at the last Asian Cup and even go further," he said.  

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The AFC Asian Cup will take place from Jan 12 to Feb 10, with Qatar taking on Lebanon in the tournament's opener.