Tajikistan players prepare to make their debut at the Asian Cup in the Group A match against China. -AP
Tajikistan have become the 37th nation to compete in the Asian Cup, kicking off their tournament with a 0-0 draw against China in Group A.
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Alisher Dzhalilov came close to putting Tajikistan ahead in the first half, firing just wide and forcing a save from China keeper Yan Junling before the break.
China came back strongly in the second half. Liu Binbin had a shot cleared off the line, and Zhu Chenjie saw a goal ruled out by VAR.
Hosts and defending champions Qatar leads Group A after a 3-0 win against Lebanon on Friday.
Meanwhile, Australia are on top of the standings in Group B after Uzbekistan and Syria also fought out a 0-0 draw.
Uzbekistan would hope to be the main challengers to Australia and dominated the chances in both halves at the Jassim bin Hamad Stadium, without making that pressure count.
Syria looked to have taken the lead in the second half through Ibrahim Hesar, only for the goal to be ruled offside.
The Socceroos are on top in Group B after starting their campaign with a 2-0 win over India.
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