RIYADH — Salem Al Dawsari's decisive goal secured Saudi Arabia a 1-0 victory over 10-man China PR on Thursday, propelling them into sole possession of third place in Group C of the AFC Asian Qualifiers – Road to 26. The Al Hilal captain broke the deadlock in the 50th minute, capitalizing on a rebound after Aiman Yahya's initial shot was saved. China PR, already under pressure, was forced to play the entire second half with 10 men after Lin Liangmin was sent off for a high challenge on Hassan Kadesh in first-half stoppage time. With the win, Saudi Arabia now has nine points from seven matches, staying within one point of second-placed Australia in the race for an automatic qualification spot behind group leaders Japan. China PR remains on six points with three games left. China started aggressively, with Xie Wenning testing the Saudi defense early, but the hosts quickly responded. Musab Al Juwayr fired wide in the 15th minute, while Nawaf Bu Washl came closest to opening the scoring midway through the first half when his curling strike, set up by an Al Dawsari backheel, rattled the underside of the crossbar. Wang Dalei produced a string of saves to keep China in contention, first reacting sharply to prevent an own goal from Jiang Shenglong, then denying Feras Al Brikan just before halftime. Saudi Arabia thought they had taken the lead when Faisal Al Ghamdi bundled the ball over the line, but VAR ruled it out for handball. The half ended on a sour note for China, as Lin saw red for catching Kadesh in the face with his boot, leaving his team a man down for the remainder of the contest. Saudi Arabia continued their dominance after the break, with Wang denying Al Dawsari early in the second half. But the veteran winger was not to be denied in the 50th minute, orchestrating the move that led to the goal and calmly slotting home after Yahya's effort was parried. Nasser Al Dawsari and Yahya both came close to doubling the lead late on, but Saudi Arabia comfortably saw out the match for a deserved victory. With the win, Saudi Arabia strengthens its push for qualification, staying within reach of automatic qualification behind Japan and Australia. China PR faces an uphill battle with three games remaining as they fight to stay in contention.
