China qualify for U-23 Championship finals with thrilling comeback

At the final whistle, both CHINA and Malaysia struggled to make sense of their emotions at theShah Alam Stadium in Kuala Lumpur.

For the hosts, the air of despondency was inescapable. Daniel Haqim's second-half goal after profiting from a goalkeeping howler looked like giving Malaysia the advantage but Jiang Shenglong snatched a dramatic and precious draw in the 83rd minute after rising highest to meet a splendid Wen Jiabao cross.

The point plucked by Jiang's deserved equalizer for CHINA left most in the stadium utterly shocked. The 2-2 draw on Tuesday night means Guus Hiddink's side finished top of Group J on goal difference and narrowly qualified for the 2020 AFC U-23 Championship finals at the expense of Malaysia.

CHINA's Zhang Yuning (R) surges past defenders during the clash with Malaysia at Shah Alam Stadium on March 26, 2019. /VCG Photo

It could have been so different.

Malaysia had twice led after an early CHINA own goal was canceled out barely five minutes later by an in-form Zhang Yuning, who scored his third goal of the qualifiers with a looping header. Inside the opening quarter of an hour there was a swagger to Malaysia not witnessed before, as both Dinesh Rajasingam and Dominic Tan had been a constant threat, and yet the home side ended the tie consumed with nerves.

CHINA's resilience also warranted praise. Beijing Guoan's Zhang Yuning provided a mature display and a glimpse of a promising future. Shanghai Shenhua duo Jiang Shenglong and Zhu Chenjie marshaled their ranks impressively. The only blot on the night was an erratic display from CHINA goalkeeper Chen Wei, who will surely be gravely disappointed with his role in Malaysia's second goal.

Guus Hiddink (R) watches on as CHINA and Malaysia battle to a 2-2 draw on March 26, 2019. /VCG Photo

CHINA were firing on all cylinders in their last two outings of the campaign, netting 13 goals without conceding, but this draw must have felt just as satisfying.

"It was a tough game for us, but I think my team are very resilient, " beamed head coach Hiddink, "After we went 1-0 and 2-1 down, the players showed enormous character and personality, and they level the game with two headers."

"The draw is a fair result for both teams and we deserve to earn qualification. I'm very proud of my players and they will make more progress in the future."