The Chinese U17 women’s national team is set to face India in a crucial quarterfinal of the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup on May 11 at 19:30 Beijing time at the Suzhou Sports Center Stadium. A victory would not only secure a semifinal spot but also guarantee qualification for the U17 Women’s World Cup, marking the country’s fifth appearance in the global tournament.
Head coach Ma Xiaoxu has made six changes to the starting lineup compared to the final group-stage match against Thailand. The team will deploy a 3-4-3 formation, with Niu Ziqi in goal. The defensive line features Chen Jiachen, Zheng Niman, and Liu Yuchen. In midfield, Yang Ruixue, Yang Lan, Zhao Siqing, and Li Yaqi take the field. The attacking trio includes Wang Chenxi, Huang Qinyi, and Liu Yuxi.
The substitutes are: Bai Shuiling, Yu Qianna, Ouyang Rongxin, Cai Xinlin, Yang Yuxuan, Cheng Wandi, Li Qixian, Xu Xiaotang, Hu Cuiping, Wu Yichen, Ju Zhitong, and Xu Yue.
China dominated Group A with three straight wins: 6-0 over Myanmar, 3-0 over Vietnam, and 6-0 over Thailand, finishing top without conceding a goal. India, on the other hand, advanced as the third-placed team from Group B.
Should China win, they will not only reach the semifinals but also earn their fifth ticket to the U17 Women’s World Cup, having previously qualified in 2012, 2014, 2022, and 2025. The match promises high stakes as the young squad aims to continue their impressive form.
