South Korea clinched a berth at the U17 Asian Cup finals after they drew 2-2 with China to finish top of their qualifying group on
Oh Haram(Front L) of South Korea vies with Aibibula Nueraji of China during the match between China and South Korea at the AFC U-17 Asian Cup 2025 Qualifiers, in Dalian, northeast China's Liaoning Province, on Oct. 27, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Gang)
Substitute Lee Ji-ho converted a penalty in the 87th minute to equalize for South Korea in the final game in Group C.
Both South Korea and China finished their qualifying campaign with three wins and one draw, with South Korea ending top thanks to their superior goal difference.
Only after the other groups' games conclude will China know if they qualify for the finals as one of the five best second-placed teams.
China started the game on the wrong foot as they found themselves 1-0 behind after only nine minutes.
South Korea striker Jun Min-seung found himself unmarked when the ball kindly bounced to his feet after a free kick was blocked by China, and he calmly slotted home.
China midfielder Yao Junyu leveled things up in the 45th minute after a sustained attack finally broke the Korean defense.
In the 66th minute, China were awarded a penalty, and forward Wei Xiangxin stepped up to put the hosts 2-1 ahead.
But three minutes before the end, China's Liu Jiale pulled down a South Korea player in the area, conceding the penalty that Lee converted.
A total of 43 teams were divided into ten groups to play the U17 Asian Cup qualifiers, and the group winners along with the best five second-placed teams will join hosts Saudi Arabia for the finals, which are scheduled from April 3 to 20, 2025.
