Zhu Chenjie (top right) of China scores a goal which is later disallowed due to offside during the Group A match between China and Tajikistan at AFC Asian Cup in Doha, Qatar, on Jan 13, 2024. (PHOTO / XINHUA)

China started the AFC Asian Cup with a 0-0 tie against debutant Tajikistan in Group A after Chinese defender Zhu Chenjie's header was disallowed by VAR on Saturday.

The world 106th-ranked Tajikistan outplayed China throughout the first half and created several excellent chances in China's penalty area but didn't finish.

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China recovered from stress and anxiety after coach Aleksandar Jankovic made crucial substitutions in the second half.

In the 80th minute, Zhu's header from a corner made Tajikistan fans silent but VAR's intervention reignited their passion, leading to noisy boos from Chinese fans instead.

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Jankovic refused to take referee's controversial decision as an excuse and said that his side had practised the corner tactics sometimes.

"You don't solve problems with tears and crying," Jankovic said.

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The Serbian also admitted that the players felt pressure in the first half and "some adjustments" were essential before the next round against Lebanon.

In Group B, Australia outplayed India with a 2-0 victory after Jackson Irvine and Jordan Bos both scored in the second half. Uzbekistan were held a goalless draw by Syria. 

Zhang Linpeng (top) of China vies with Dzhalilov Alisher of Tajikistan during the Group A match between China and Tajikistan at AFC Asian Cup in Doha, Qatar, on Jan 13, 2024. (PHOTO / XINHUA)

Wu Lei (left) of China competes during the Group A match between China and Tajikistan at AFC Asian Cup in Doha, Qatar, on Jan 13, 2024. (PHOTO / XINHUA)

Dzhalilov Alisher (center) of Tajikistan shoots during the Group A match between China and Tajikistan at AFC Asian Cup in Doha, Qatar, on Jan 13, 2024. (PHOTO / XINHUA)