China tie Syria 1-1 in international U-23 soccer match

XI'AN, China, March 24 (Xinhua) -- Ablal Barakat's short-range header helped Syria U-23 soccer team to draw hosts China in an international U-23 soccer match here on Saturday.

The striker Zhang Yuning's two shot-range headers are almost scored the opener at ninth minute and twelfth minute. Then he missed the penalty made by Hu Jinghang at 35th minute.

Enjoying the cheers of nearly 20,000 attendants at Shaanxi Provincial Stadium, the hosts strengthen their attack but squandered many opportunities at the beginning of the second half.

China took the lead in 84th minute as winger Yao Junsheng unleashed a long-range shot from right side.

The visitors equalized just two minutes after the opponents' opener. Through a series of cuts and passes, a Syrian player made a cross into goal area, the substitute Ablal Barakat scored easily with his head.

"The result may be impossible to satisfied with everyone but it's fair to both of the team. My players did their best physically and mentally on the court," said Fabrizio Del Rosso, the head coach of China U-23 team. Enditem