Mirlan Bekberdinov’s own goal 13 minutes into the second half handed the Chinese the lead but Biimyrza Zhenishbekov’s late strike and a string of fine saves from Li Hao took the East Asians into the knockout rounds of the competition for the first time since 2014.
China took second place in the group behind Japan, whose 2-1 win over Saudi Arabia meant the Chinese advanced at the expense of the defending champions and will take on the Koreans at JAR Stadium in three days’ time.
⏰ FT | 🇨🇳 China PR 1️⃣-1️⃣ Kyrgyz Republic 🇰🇬
— #AFCU20 (@afcasiancup) March 9, 2023
🎟️ A draw is enough for China to book their place in the knockout rounds after a valiant display from the Kyrgyz Republic!#AFCU20 | #CHNvKGZ pic.twitter.com/ZRqVtFzEz4