China out of 2018 World Cup despite winning in Qatar

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China's Yu Hanchao (R) and Qatar's Abdulkareem Salem fight for the ball during the Fifa World Cup 2018 qualification football match between Qatar and China at the Jassim Bin Hamed Stadium in Doha on September 5, 2017. China's faint hopes of qualifying for next year's World Cup finals in Russia finally ended, despite securing the victory they needed in Qatar. Photo: AFP

Published: 1:34am, 6 Sep 2017Updated: 1:34am, 6 Sep 2017

China’s faint hopes of qualifying for next year’s World Cup finals in Russia finally ended on Tuesday, despite securing the victory they needed in Qatar.

Syria’s draw in Iran and Uzbekistan’s draw with South Korea meant that two late goals to secure a 2-1 win in Doha were ultimately futile in China’s desperate bid to snatch a play-off place for next year’s tournament.

China rallied after falling behind early in the second half and even overcame the sending-off of their captain Zheng Zhi.

Akrim Afif put the home side ahead in the 46th minute, scoring from close range.

But the visitors equalised in the 74th minute when Xiao Zhi powered home.

China's footballers (top L) Gao Lin, Xiao Zhi, Li Xuepeng, Feng Xiaoting, Zeng Cheng, Zhang Linpeng (Bottom L) Zhao Xuri, Ren Hang, Yu Hanchao, Zhang Xizhe and Zheng Zhipose pose for a team photo before the start of the Fifa World Cup 2018 qualification football match between Qatar and China at the Jassim Bin Hamed Stadium in Doha on September 5, 2017. Photo: AFP