体坛英语新闻：China, South Korea off to winning start in AFC U-19 Championship qualifiers

YANGON, Nov. 7 (Xinhua) -- China and South Korea opened their AFC U-19 Championship qualifiers Group I campaigns with wins over Myanmar and Singapore respectively here on Wednesday.

A goal in each half saw China beat Myanmar 2-0, while South Korea crushed Singapore 11-0 to top the group after the first round of matches.

China took the upper hand from the start, but it was a defensive mistake in the tenth minute that saw Liu Junxian intercept a back-pass and slot past goalkeeper Pyae Phyo Thu.

Myanmar regrouped and were able to fend off the visitors, but created little opportunities up front as they went into the half-time break behind.

China continued to push forward in the second half and were rewarded when Tao Qianglong volleyed home Naibijiang Mohemaiti's cross in the 67th minute.

China face Singapore next on Friday, while Myanmar take on South Korea.

The 11 group winners and four best runners-up will join hosts Uzbekistan in the 2020 AFC U-19 Championship finals.

Should Uzbekistan finish either top of Group F or among the best four second-placed teams, the fifth best runner-up will qualify.?