'Malaysia will be a true test ' – Guus Hiddink-led China ready for Young Tigers

Seeing an unstoppable China U-23 side down the Philippines 8-0 on Sunday at the Shah Alam Stadium, Malaysia in AFC U-23 Championship 2020 Qualifiers has turned China coach Guus Hiddink's attention towards their next match, against the group's biggest rival, Malaysia.

China opened the scoring in the 10th minute when Europe-based forward Shan Huanhuan beat the Philippine goalkeeper with a header. Hu Jinghang followed up four minutes later, and notched a brace in the 42nd minute. Earlier, Huang Cong and Lin Liangming both shot, with the ball hitting the back of the net.

A 4-0 lead after 30 minutes left the Philippine team with a tall task in the field. Shan Huanhuan doubled in 77th minute together with substitute Zhang Yuning's two goals bring China U-23 team a second straight win.

"They've achieved a lot compared to when I started with them in September. I'm happy to see it and surprised with their commitment and performance," said Hiddink on his team's victory.

Team rival, Ong Kim Swee-led Malaysia struggled in the 1-0 win over Laos courtesy of Safawi Rasid's goal in the 82nd minute.

Focusing on the coming encounter, Hiddink admits that facing Malaysia will be a true test for his young boys.

“We expect a huge resistance because we have seen Malaysia play and they are a skillful team. It will be a difficult game for us and a good experience for my team as it will be a closer tie than our last two."

The 72-year-old Hiddink, tasked with leading the China U-23 side to the finals, has a similar situation as Young Tigers' U-23 coach Ong Kim Swee. Young players often encounter a lack of competitive match time and have less experience in the nation's super league.

"The Chinese Football Association (CFA) must think of a way to create more competitions because it would help their football development in the future."

Hiddink claims that clubs in the super league should not be afraid to introduce young players in first teams. However, Hiddink said he is pleased to see huge improvements in Asian countries on the world stage.

"The football here is on the rise."

Malaysia performed well last year. They edged Saudi Arabia 1-0 in their AFC U-23 Championship group match and defeated the powerful S. Korea U-23 2-1 in the Asian Games' group stage.

As China have scored 13 goals compared to Malaysia's four, Ong Kim Swee's boys need to beat China to qualify for next year's tournament proper.

China currently top the group after two wins, while Malaysia, the only viable challenger to their supremacy in the group, are second with six points but goal differences. China will meet the host Malaysia on March 26.

(CGTN)