Published: 09:33, November 17, 2023 | Updated: 10:33, November 17, 2023
China stages turnaround against Thailand in World Cup qualifier
By Xinhua

Wei Shihao (right) of China shoots during the Group C match between China and Thailand at the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier in Bangkok, Thailand, Nov 16, 2023. (PHOTO / XINHUA)

BANGKOK -- China registered a morale-boosting victory as it came from behind to beat Thailand 2-1 in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers Round 2 here on Thursday.

Without key defender Jiang Guangtai, Chinese head coach Aleksandar Jankovic opted for Zhu Chenjie and Jiang Shenglong at the back-line, while Wu Lei led the trident upfront with Wu Xi pulling the string in the midfield.

China completed the turnaround in the 74th minute with a combination of two substitutes as Xie Pengfei's lobbing pass found unmarked Wang Shangyuan who finished with a diving header undisturbed

Suphanat Mueanta's strike in the 5th minute was too weak to surprise China's goalkeeper Yan Junling, while at the other end Jiang's effort was wide of the post.

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The host broke the deadlock in the 23rd minute through a counterattack, as Suphanat's attempt was denied by Yan, but he collected the loose ball and squared for Supachok Sarachat who laid it off for Sarach Yooyen to volley home.

China quickly got back on level terms minutes later as Wei Shihao charged forward and rolled across for Wu Lei to slide it in at the back post.

However, Wu Lei should have bagged a brace before the interval, as Wei sent him through, but he only saw his solo effort go wide.

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Sarach'e twisting header was denied by Yan minutes after the break, and China completed the turnaround in the 74th minute with a combination of two substitutes as Xie Pengfei's lobbing pass found unmarked Wang Shangyuan who finished with a diving header undisturbed.

Wu Xi (left) of China breaks through during the Group C match between China and Thailand at the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier in Bangkok, Thailand, Nov 16, 2023. (PHOTO / XINHUA)

In a desperate bid to avoid a home defeat, Thailand poured forward in the dying minutes but was still toothless to get back into it.

In an earlier fixture on Thursday, South Korea crushed Singapore 5-0. China will host South Korea on November 21.  

Victory against Thailand encouraging

The head coach of China's men's national football team Aleksandar Jankovic said the victory over Thailand in the 2026 World Cup qualifier is a good sign as his side snatched a 2-1 comeback win here on Thursday.

Wei Shihao (right) of China vies with Sarach Yooyen of Thailand during the Group C match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier in Bangkok, Thailand, Nov 16, 2023. (PHOTO / XINHUA)

"We are satisfied with the three points tonight. The first match against the third tier team is not easy, being one goal down from their first chance is not easy for us, but we showed our strength, from strength to strength, that's important to me, we showed our character," the Serbian noted.

"Of course we could not be totally satisfied, we still have ups and downs throughout the game, we need to solve this. In general, it's an encouraging sign for us," he added.

Xie Pengfei (left) of China vies with Pokklaw A-nan of Thailand during the Group C match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier in Bangkok, Thailand, Nov 16, 2023. (PHOTO / XINHUA)

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Wang, who scored the winner, emphasized there is still a long way to go.

"We have prepared this game for a long time under the coach, it is delighted to claim the victory. We aim to move into the World Cup, but we should take it step by step. After the celebrations tonight, we will focus on the South Korea game," Wang said.