China leave it late against Iraq

AFC – DOHA, Deng Zhouxiang scored the winner as China defeated Iraq 3-2 in an unofficial warm-up match ahead of the start of the AFC Asian Cup 2011 finals at Qatar Sports Club on Sunday evening.

Deng’s curling left-footed strike from the edge of the penalty area came in the 73rd minute of an encounter that saw both Gao Hongbo and Wolfgang Sidka – the coaches of China and Iraq respectively – make numerous substitutions.

Schalke midfielder Hao Junmin gave the Chinese the lead after just eight minutes but two goals from Iraq captain Younus Mahmood – in the 20th minute and on the stroke of halftime – saw the Asian Cup holders go into the break in the lead.

Their advantage, however, did not last long as Zhao Peng, who had only been introduced at halftime, headed home Hao’s corner to pull the east Asian champions level.

Deng then completed China’s comeback 17 minutes from the end when he struck first time following Yu Hai’s pass from the left, giving Gao’s team a morale boost ahead of their opening clash with Kuwait on January 8.