(Beijing, March 31) China’s U16 women’s team kicked off their Montaigu Cup campaign with a 1–0 victory over the England U16 women's team, securing a strong start to the tournament.
China showed attacking intent early on, with Zhou Jintong forcing a save from the goalkeeper in the 9th minute with a direct free-kick effort. Throughout the first half, players like Ding Liangqi and Jiang Qinru created chances, but the breakthrough remained elusive.
The decisive moment came in the 73rd minute, when substitute Zhu Paixi capitalized on a one-on-one opportunity, calmly finishing to give the China U16 women's team the lead.
China held on to secure the win, while in other matches, Japan defeated Mexico 3–0 and Portugal edged France 1–0.
After the first round, China, Japan, and Portugal all sit on three points. China will next face the France U16 women's team on April 2 in a crucial group-stage clash.
Notably, China finished as runners-up in last year’s Montaigu Cup after losing 0–1 to Japan in the final. This year, they will aim to go one step further.
