体坛英语新闻：China expects good opening to AFC U23 Championship

CHANGZHOU, Jan. 9 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese U23 men's soccer team are expecting a good start in the AFC U23 Championship, which kicks off on Tuesday.

China will take on Oman in the opening match and the U23 team head coach Massimiliano Maddaloni believed passionate home support could well give the Chinese team an added advantage.

China was drawn in Group A with Qatar, Uzbekistan and Oman.

"It will be a tough group," said the coach. "All the three other teams are quite strong and the matches will be very exciting."

"There is little doubt that the support of the home fans will give the Chinese team an advantage as it will make the team play as one," he added.

China failed to claim a victory in the previous two AFC U23 Championships.