Two goals from Wang Yongpo helped China beat the United Arab Emirates 2-1 and tighten their grip atop Group B in the AFC Youth Championship at the Salt Late Stadium in Kolkata, India Wednesday evening.

China have six points from two games, followed by Australia and Thailand, who are both on three points. The UAE have yet to open their account.

Wang opened the scoring from the spot in the fifth minute and made it 2-0 a minute into the restart. UAE reduced the deficit through Mubarak Mesmari in the 50th minute.

China were awarded a penalty in the fifth minute due to a reckless tackle by UAE defender Musallem Al Hamadani on Yongpo. The fiery forward made no mistake in putting his side ahead.

Wang almost doubled the lead in the 13th minute when his header found the net but Kuwaiti referee Qasem Shaban disallowed the goal due to his foul on a UAE defender.

He, however, netted his second goal immediately into the restart when a blunder by Al Hamadani allowed him to head home with ease.

UAE pulled one back four minutes later when Mesmari's scorcher on a loose ball stormed into the net.

UAE were reduced to 10 men when Mesmari picked up his second yellow card of the match. The UAE made repeated forays towards the end in search for a equaliser but the Chinese defenders ensured three points for their side.

Chinese goalkeeper Wang Dalei, who struts his stuff for Shanghai United and was recently named the Chinese Super League's Best Newcomer, made an outstanding save in the dying moments off an Abdulla Al Jaberi shot.

UAE coach Jacques Bonnevay blamed the defeat on poor defence. "It is not possible to win if the players make silly mistakes. Our defender Al Hamadani cost us this match," he said.

Chinese coach Jia Xiuquan said: "I am happy with the victory but we need to improve upon a few things. I am hopeful that in the next match against Thailand, we would rectify those mistakes."

China will lock horns with Thailand on November 3 while the UAE face Australia on the same day.

Source: Xinhua