FUZHOU, China, Dec. 18 (Xinhua) -- China lost 3-0 to Japan on Thursday in its opening group match of the 2025 East Asian Football Federation (EAFF) U15 Championship.

The match, played in Zhangzhou, southeastern China's Fujian Province, saw Japan take control early in the first half. Ren Isobe hit the post in the 22nd minute before Eita Sawaguchi scored the opener in the 34th minute, finishing a low cross from the right.

After the break, Japan extended its lead in the 50th minute through substitute Soma Iida. Isobe added a third in the 56th minute.

China's striker Ke Bowen had several attempts, including a threatening long-range shot in the 39th minute, but failed to score.

With the loss, China sits at the bottom of Group A. In the same group, Hong Kong, China beat South Korea 2-0.

In Group B, Chinese Taipei dominated with a 10-0 victory over Northern Mariana Islands, while Macao, China defeated Guam 5-0.

China will face South Korea in its next group match on Saturday. Enditem