The highly anticipated FIFA World Cup 26™ AFC Qualifiers brought together two footballing giants, the China National Football Team and Saudi Arabia National Football Team, in a crucial match at the Suoyuwan Football Stadium in Dalian. With the World Cup on the horizon, both teams were eager to secure crucial points in their quest for qualification. China PR entered the match with hopes of overcoming their recent form, while Saudi Arabia aimed to continue their strong performances.
China National Football Team vs Saudi Arabia National Football Team Head to Head
Historically, China PR and Saudi Arabia have faced each other several times, with both teams having their moments of glory. In recent encounters, Saudi Arabia has held the upper hand, but China PR has managed to hold them to draws in the past. Their head-to-head record is as follows:
- China PR Wins: 2
- Saudi Arabia Wins: 5
- Draws: 2
Both teams approached the game knowing that any small mistake could tip the balance in this highly competitive fixture.
China National Football Team vs Saudi Arabia National Football Team Lineups with Substitutes
China PR Starting XI:
- Yan Junling (GK)
- Zhu Chenjie
- Jiang Guangtai
- Wang Shangyuan
- Wu Lei
- Zhang Yuning
- Xie Wenneng
- Li Yuanyi
- Fernandinho
- Huang Zhengyu
- Abduweli Behram
Substitutes:
- Alan
- Lin Liangming
- Li Lei
Saudi Arabia Starting XI:
- Mohammed Al-Owais (GK)
- Ali Lajami
- Saud Abdulhamid
- Nasser Al-Dawsari
- Mohammed Kanno
- Hassan Kadesh
- Abdullah Alhamddan
- Salem Al-Dawsari
- Abdulelah Al-Malki
- Feras Albrikan
- Musab Aljuwayr
Substitutes:
- Faisal Al-Ghamdi
- Awn Al-Saluli
- Mohammed Marran
China National Football Team vs Saudi Arabia National Football Team First Half: Action-Packed Start
The match kicked off with high intensity from both sides. The first major moment came in the 14th minute when Saudi defender Ali Lajami scored an unfortunate own goal, giving China PR an early lead. However, Saudi Arabia did not let this setback affect their morale.
In the 19th minute, Mohamed Kanno was sent off after a controversial red card, leaving Saudi Arabia down to ten men. Despite this disadvantage, Saudi Arabia remained composed and kept pressing. Their efforts were rewarded in the 39th minute when Hassan Kadesh equalized with a well-placed shot. The first half ended 1-1, with both teams creating opportunities but unable to convert them into more goals.
China National Football Team vs Saudi Arabia National Football Team Second Half: Saudi Arabia’s Late Heroics
The second half saw China PR pushing for a winner, but Saudi Arabia’s defense stood firm. Substitutions from both sides added fresh legs, but the breakthrough moment came in the dying minutes of the match. In the 90th minute, Hassan Kadesh scored his second goal of the night, giving Saudi Arabia a dramatic 2-1 lead.
China PR tried to respond in the final minutes but failed to find the back of the net. Despite numerous attempts and corners, Saudi Arabia held on to their slim lead until the final whistle.
Full-Time Score: China PR 1-2 Saudi Arabia
China National Football Team vs Saudi Arabia National Football Team Match Stats
| Statistic | China PR | Saudi Arabia |
| Goals | 1 | 2 |
| Shots (On Target) | 15 (7) | 12 (5) |
| Possession (%) | 53% | 47% |
| Corners | 7 | 5 |
| Fouls | 16 | 14 |
| Yellow Cards | 3 | 2 |
| Red Cards | 0 | 1 |
| Offsides | 4 | 2 |
China National Football Team vs Saudi Arabia National Football Team Timeline
- 14′: Own Goal by Ali Lajami (China PR 1-0)
- 19′: Mohamed Kanno (Saudi Arabia) sent off (Red Card)
- 39′: Hassan Kadesh scores (China PR 1-1 Saudi Arabia)
- 59′: Yellow Card for Saud Abdulhamid (Saudi Arabia)
- 70′: Substitution – Zhang Yuning replaces Wu Lei (China PR)
- 90′: Hassan Kadesh scores again (China PR 1-2 Saudi Arabia)
- 90+3′: Substitution – Alan and Lin Liangming enter (China PR), Faisal Al-Ghamdi enters (Saudi Arabia)
China National Football Team vs Saudi Arabia National Football Team Impact on the Points Table
With this victory, Saudi Arabia’s position in the FIFA World Cup 26™ AFC Qualifiers improves, pushing them closer to qualification. The win lifts them to 4 points, while China PR remains stuck at the bottom of the group with just one point.
| Team | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
| Japan | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 0 | 7 | 3 |
| Bahrain | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3 |
| Saudi Arabia | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Indonesia | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Australia | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | -1 | 0 |
| China PR | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 7 | -7 | 0 |
Man of the Match
Hassan Kadesh – His two goals, including the late match-winner, earned him the well-deserved Man of the Match award. Kadesh’s calm under pressure and his clinical finishing were crucial to Saudi Arabia’s success.
In this dramatic FIFA World Cup 26™ AFC Qualifiers clash, Saudi Arabia’s resilience shone through as they came from behind to secure a vital 2-1 victory over China PR. Despite playing with ten men for most of the match, Saudi Arabia’s determination and tactical discipline earned them all three points. China PR will need to regroup quickly as they look to keep their World Cup hopes alive.
