JEDDAH: China blasted Tajikistan 6-0 while North Korea crushed Lebanon 4-0 in Group ‘C’ matches of the AFC Youth Championship being held in Dammam. China top this group with superior goal advantage followed by North Korea who also have the same number of points.
In Group ‘D’, Uzbekistan and Australia scored solitary goal wins over Jordan and Thailand respectively and have three points each. Hosts, Saudi Arabia will take on Yemen in a must-win situation for both teams in Group ‘A’ if they hope to go further in the tournament.
Saudi Arabia, who are favorites to win today’s encounter, had beaten Iran 2-1 on Friday. Yemen were routed in their opening match against Japan 5-0. Even a draw will put Yemen out of the tournament.
Iran take on Japan in another crucial match in this same group. A loss for Iran will see them make an early exit from this tourney.
In Group ‘B’ Syria will meet Iraq. Both teams lost their opening matches against UAE and South Korea who meet each other later in the day.
