Dragon's Team are one of the most intriguing sides to watch in this competition, though they have never lifted the continental title, were runners-up in 1984 and 2004.
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China will square off against Tajikistan in their AFC Asian Cup 2024 Group A round one fixture at Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Stadium on Saturday. The Persian Lions are set to make their first appearance in the tournament courtesy of topping their third-round qualification group, while the Chinese earned a spot in the finals by finishing second in their second-round qualifying group behind Syria. Dragon’s Team are one of the most intriguing sides to watch in this competition, though they have never lifted the continental title, were runners-up in 1984 and 2004.
Second day matches of the group stages 🔥
What are your predictions? ✍🏼#AsianCup2023 #HayyaAsia pic.twitter.com/hH77sQCUjp
— AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023 (@Qatar2023en) January 13, 2024
In 2019, China advanced to the round of 16 stage of the Asian Cup courtesy of finishing second in the group behind South Korea, and went on to thrash Thailand 3-0 in the knockout round tie. However, Dragon’s Team were beaten 3-0 by Iran in the last eight stage. Meanwhile, Aleksandar Jankovic’s side are heading into the match on the back of some not so great results, losing three successive games in all competitions, including a 3-0 home defeat against South Korea in the 2026 World Cup qualifying. The Chinese began 2024 by losing a friendly to Hong Kong (2-1) for the first time in 29 years, despite taking the lead through Tan Long’s ninth-minute opener.
Tajikistan, on the other hand, are heading into the match on the back of a six game unbeaten run across all competition, recording five wins in the process. The Crowns have managed to achieve new heights under Petar Segrt, rising to 106th spot in the FIFA rankings, the highest ever mark for this team since the Soviet Union split. They are off to a great start in the 2026 World Cup qualifying, unbeaten after two second-round fixtures, drawing 1-1 with Jordan mid-way through November, before thrashing Pakistan 6-1 a week later. Meanwhile, the Persian Lion’s secured a 2-1 victory over Hong Kong in a friendly last week, thanks to one goal each from Rustam Soirov and Shakhrom Samiev. Though Pamirians have never beaten China in five previous attempts, they will certainly fancy their chances against a struggling Dragon’s Team.
China probable starting lineup: Junling, Haofeng, Linpeng, Browning, Yang, Liangming, Xin, Shangyuan, Pu, Lei, Yuning
Tajikistan probable starting lineup: Yatimov, Safarov, Khanonov, Dzhuraboyev, Nazarov, Umarbayev, Juraboev, Panjshanbe, Dzhalilov, Rakhimov, Samiev
China
| Opponents | Score |
| Hong Kong | 1-2 (L) |
| Oman | 0-2 (L) |
| South Korea | 0-3 (L) |
| Thailand | 1-2 (W) |
| Uzbekistan | 1-2 (L) |
Tajikistan
| Opponents | Score |
| Hong Kong | 1-2 (W) |
| Pakistan | 1-6 (W) |
| Jordan | 1-1 (D) |
| Malaysia | 0-2 (W) |
| Singapore | 0-2 (W) |
| Last 4 match-result | Score |
| China beat Tajikistan | 1-0 |
| China beat Tajikistan | 4-0 |
| China draw Tajikistan | 0-0 |
| China beat Tajikistan | 0-1 |
The AFC Asian Cup fixture between China and Tajikistan will take place at Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium on Saturday at 8:00 pm IST.
| China vs Tajikistan | Key Details |
| Date | January 13 |
| Venue | Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium |
| Kickoff time in China | 10:30 pm |
| Kickoff time in Tajikistan | 7:30 pm |
| Kickoff time in Qatar | 5:30 pm |
| Kickoff time in India | 8:00 pm |
The live telecast of the AFC Asian Cup matches in India will be available on Sports 18 network. Besides, football fans in India can also live stream the game through Jio Cinema. Meanwhile, those in China can catch the live action via CCTV network, Migu and iQiyi. Football fans in Tajikistan can watch the match on Varzish Sport.
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