China U17s Win Group, Beat Leverkusen 2-1

On August 6 at 19:35 Beijing time, China U17 faced Bayer Leverkusen U17 in the final group-stage match of the 2026 Shanghai Future Star Cup. Leverkusen took the lead through Mohammadi in the first half. After the break, substitute Zhao Songyuan delivered a goal and an assist, while Kong Xinuo also found the net, sealing a 2-1 comeback victory. China finished top of Group A with three straight wins and advanced to the semifinals, where they will face River Plate U17 (Group B runners-up) on August 7 at 19:35.

China had previously beaten Arsenal U17 3-2 and Athletic Bilbao U17 1-0. With top spot already secured, the team rotated its lineup.

Key moments: In the 7th minute, Xiao Chenxi slipped a through ball but Shuai Weihao couldn't connect. In the 15th, Luan Hanke dribbled past four defenders before firing just wide. Leverkusen threatened from corners in the 19th and 23rd, with Yusa Ayranci hitting the post from a free kick—then retaking it and forcing a save from Qin Ziniu.

In the 29th, Shuai Weihao won possession high up the pitch, but Jin Guancheng's shot was blocked. Xu Zhengpeng's free kick in the 34th found Yu Jianan, whose looping header went wide. In the 42nd, Daniel Eichie caused chaos in the box before Kelechi Maduka blazed a one-on-one chance over the bar.

Leverkusen broke through in the 36th: Daniel Eichie split the defense with a diagonal ball, and Mick Aziz Mohammadi lifted a delicate finish over the keeper to make it 1-0. China trailed at halftime.

After the break, both sides made changes—Cheng Shenghan and Li Jiarun replaced Sun Chenxi and Zhao Guancheng for China. In the 54th, Leverkusen's Daniel Eichie received a second yellow card and was sent off. Pan Chaowei and Zhao Songyuan then came on.

In the 61st, China won a corner and, after a series of headers in a crowded box, substitute Zhao Songyuan set up Kong Xinuo to volley home the equalizer. Just one minute later, Zhao Songyuan dribbled past two defenders and unleashed a powerful strike to complete the turnaround. China won 2-1.

China U17 starting XI: Qin Ziniu (GK); Wang Yiming (60' Zhao Songyuan), Yu Jianan, Bian Weihao, Zhao Guancheng (46' Li Jiarun); Sun Chenxi (46' Cheng Shenghan), Xu Zhengpeng (59' Pan Chaowei), Kong Xinuo, Xiao Chenxi (80' Tan Yujin); Shuai Weihao, Jin Guancheng

Unused subs: He Sifan, Nan Zixun, Chen Junbo, Jiang Chengen (GK)

Leverkusen U17 starting XI: Joshua Amthor (GK); Redon Pervetica, Samuel Guie-Mien, Celal Demir, Kelechi Maduka (55' Louis Lomboy), Yusa Ayranci, Daniel Eichie, Edmond Manga, Luan Hanke (73' Amara Demba Traoré), Mick Aziz Mohammadi (46' Haron Adouti Ryani), Raoul Condat

Unused subs: Ricardo Lipp (GK), Alexander Neitzsch, Jaden Kwadjosse, Obaid Saidi, Fakouman Kourouma, Max Wober