U17 National Team 3-2 Arsenal: Wins on a last-gasp goal after conceding two, Zhao Songyuan scores twice, substitute Cheng Shenghan nets the winner

In the first round of the Shanghai Future Star Champions Cup, which concluded on August 3 Beijing time, China's U17 men's football team took a two-goal lead, then conceded two goals, and finally won 3-2 against Arsenal U17 with a last-second winner. In the first half, Zhao Songyuan tricked the opponent's defense and scored, but later missed a one-on-one chance. In the second half, Zhao Songyuan scored again early on to make it 2-0. Jayden Oba and Nwaneri pulled two goals back for Arsenal, and Cheng Shenghan scored the decisive goal at the death.

In the other first-round match in this group, Bayer Leverkusen U17 drew 0-0 with Athletic Bilbao U17. On August 4 at 16:00, the U17 national team will face their second group opponent, Athletic Bilbao U17.

[Key Moments]

In the 23rd minute, Zhao Songyuan received the ball outside the box. Facing five Arsenal defenders, he nutmegged one and curled a shot into the net, giving U17 China a 1-0 lead over Arsenal.

Right at the start of the second half, Zhao Songyuan received a through ball from a teammate, burst down the left side, cut inside, and fired a low shot that bounced in off the net. U17 China led 2-0.Upon review, this goal might have been an own goal by McCallum, but the broadcast credited it to Zhao Songyuan.

In the 53rd minute, Jayden Oba entered the box and scored with a low shot, pulling one back for Arsenal U17.

In the 69th minute, Emerson Nwaneri, the brother of Nwaneri, scored, making it 2-2 and equalizing for Arsenal.

In stoppage time, Cheng Shenghan, who had just come on as a substitute, headed in a rebound to seal the win.

[Highlights]

In the 15th minute, Li Jiarun's free kick delivery caused danger, and Pan Chaowei's header was cleared by a defender.

In the 31st minute, Zhao Songyuan's one-on-one shot was saved by Jack Talbot, missing the chance for a brace.

In the 45th minute, Emerson Nwaneri delivered a low cross from the right to the far post, and Mali Flournoy's shot was blocked.

In the 58th minute, Kuang Zhaolei created space and tried to shoot at the near post, but the ball went wide.

In stoppage time, Flournoy attempted a volley, but the ball was collected by Jiang Chengen.

[Lineups]

China U17 (4-2-3-1)

Goalkeeper: 30-Jiang Chengen

Defenders: 10-Zhang Junhao, 18-Liu Zhicheng (93'22-Cheng Shenghan), 25-Nan Zixun, 2-Wang Yiming (60'11-Xiao Chenxi)

Defensive midfielders: 9-Pan Chaowei, 21-Zhou Yunuo (46'6-Xu Zhengpeng)

Midfielders: 8-Kuang Zhaolei (60'15-Zhang Xuyao), 4-Zhao Songyuan (70'7-He Sifan), 13-Li Jiarun (70'17-Kong Xinuo)

Forward: 3-Jin Guancheng (46'27-Chen Junbo)

Substitutes not used: 23-Jiang Yuhan, 24-Yu Jianan

Arsenal U17 (4-3-3)

Goalkeeper: 1-Jack Talbot

Defenders: 2-Owusu-Jasi (63'8-Sorap Sangpang), 4-Daniel McCallum, 5-Patrick Stahov, 12-Hakim Abubakar

Midfielders: 10-Emerson Nwaneri, 6-Teshorn Murisa (65'18-Luis Munoz), 15-Mikael Yetna (65'7-Gabriel Bernal)

Forwards: 14-Jayden Oba (65'16-Theo Odaji-Ukueku), 9-Mali Flournoy, 11-Bowen Phillips (74'22-Alhaji Jallow)

Substitutes: 3-Elion Mbala, 13-Maximilian Lopresti, 17-Jayden Magoma, 19-Zachary van der Straten