China National Football Team Humiliated 0-5 by Palestine in Chongqing Friendly
AM730 · 2 SOURCES1 day ago2 MIN
Summary
China's national football team endured a humiliating 0-5 defeat to Palestine in an international friendly at Chongqing's Longxing Stadium on Friday. It was the first time in history that Palestine defeated China, with the visiting team racing to a 2-0 lead within the first 22 minutes. The lopsided result came as part of China's four-match friendly programme to prepare for the Asian Cup finals. Head coach Shao Jiayi admitted the team was mentally unprepared and some players were still thinking about their club commitments. Chinese netizens responded with harsh criticism, with calls for the team to be disbanded and for the coach's resignation.
Key Points
- China lost 0-5 to Palestine on October 2, 2026 at Chongqing Longxing Stadium, marking Palestine's first-ever victory over China
- Palestine striker Assad Al Hamlawi scored twice in the 16th and 22nd minutes, both goals coming from China's failure to clear the ball near the penalty area
- China fielded a rotated starting XI with goalkeeper Yan Bingliang, but switched to Yan Junling at halftime after substituting five players including the goalkeeper
- Palestine forward Oday Dabbagh, who scored twice against Hong Kong at the 2023 Asian Cup, added goals before and after halftime
- In their last two friendlies, China have conceded eight goals and scored none, following a 3-0 win over Maldives and a 0-3 loss to New Zealand
- Coach Shao Jiayi acknowledged the team's poor mentality, stating some players were still focused on league and AFC Champions League matters rather than the national team
- Chinese fans online condemned the performance with phrases like "they've lost all face" and demands for the team to be dissolved
Why It Matters
This defeat exposes serious vulnerabilities in China's national team ahead of the Asian Cup, where they will face stronger regional opponents . The lack of goals and defensive cohesion, combined with reports of distracted player mentality, raises questions about China's competitive standing in Asian football .
This defeat exposes serious vulnerabilities in China's national team ahead of the Asian Cup, where they will face stronger regional opponents . The lack of goals and defensive cohesion, combined with reports of distracted player mentality, raises questions about China's competitive standing in Asian football .