China suffers third straight defeat with loss to Tajikistan-Xinhua
CHONGQING, Oct. 7 (Xinhua) -- China lost 1-0 to Tajikistan in a football friendly on Tuesday, suffering its third consecutive defeat. Neither side was able to break the deadlock in the first half before Vahdat Khanonov gave Tajikistan the lead in the 53rd minute. China goalkeeper Liu Dianzuo failed to hold a long-range effort, allowing Khanonov to pounce on the loose ball and score from close range. China's task became more difficult six minutes later when Wei Shihao was sent off after receiving a second yellow card for elbowing an opponent. Wei had picked up his first booking in the 45th minute. China head coach Shao Jiayi said the match highlighted the pressure of international competition and the improving standard of football across Asia, adding that China needed to improve bot...