RIYADH, March 30, 2025 — Salem Al Dawsari’s decisive goal secured Saudi Arabia a 1-0 victory over 10-man China PR on Thursday, moving them into third place in Group C of the AFC Asian Qualifiers – Road to 26.
The Al Hilal captain broke the deadlock in the 50th minute, slotting home a rebound after Aiman Yahya’s initial shot was saved.
China PR, already under pressure, was reduced to 10 men after Lin Liangmin received a red card for a high challenge on Hassan Kadesh in first-half stoppage time.
With the win, Saudi Arabia now holds nine points from seven matches, staying just one point behind second-placed Australia in the race for automatic qualification behind group leaders Japan. China PR remains on six points with three matches left.
China started aggressively, with Xie Wenning testing the Saudi defense early, but the hosts responded quickly.
Musab Al Juwayr fired wide in the 15th minute, while Nawaf Bu Washl came closest to scoring in the first half when his curling strike, set up by an Al Dawsari backheel, struck the underside of the crossbar.
Wang Dalei made key saves to keep China PR in contention, including a reaction stop to prevent an own goal from Jiang Shenglong and a crucial denial of Feras Al Brikan just before halftime.
Saudi Arabia thought they had taken the lead when Faisal Al Ghamdi bundled the ball over the line, but VAR ruled it out for handball.
The first half ended with a setback for China PR, as Lin was sent off for catching Kadesh in the face with his boot, leaving his team a man down for the remainder of the match.
After the break, Saudi Arabia maintained control, with Wang denying Al Dawsari early in the second half. However, the winger was not to be stopped, converting in the 50th minute after Yahya’s shot was parried.
Nasser Al Dawsari and Yahya both came close to extending the lead late on, but Saudi Arabia held firm for a well-deserved victory.
With this result, Saudi Arabia strengthens its qualification hopes, staying within reach of automatic qualification behind Japan and Australia. Meanwhile, China PR faces an uphill battle with three matches remaining as they fight to stay in contention.