U22 Korea lost to China 0-2, a sad 21-year record
U22 Korea lost 0-2 to U22 China at the Panda Cup 2025, the first time in 21 years that a Korean men's team lost two consecutive matches to China; The rankings are balanced, U22 Vietnam has a good chance if they win on November 18.
Behram Abduweli's double helped China U22 beat South Korea U22 2-0 in the second round of the 2025 Panda Cup, ending a historic night: for the first time in 21 years, a South Korean men's team suffered two consecutive defeats against China. Previously, in the CFA Team China friendly in March, South Korea U22 lost 0-1 to China U22.
Sad record after 21 years and questions about stability
For years, South Korea’s men’s football team has been the favorites to beat China. The 1-0 loss in March and the 2-0 defeat this time, both goals from Behram Abduweli, underscored the level of instability facing the young Korean team. The 21-year milestone is not just a dry statistic, but also a warning about the quality of play and character at key moments.
Panda Cup 2025 situation: everything back to the starting line
The 0-2 result left the group in a rare state of balance. After two matches, all four teams, including U22 Vietnam, U22 China, U22 Korea and U22 Uzbekistan, have 3 points.
| Team | Point | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| China U22 | 3 | +1 |
| U22 Vietnam | 3 | 0 |
| U22 Korea | 3 | 0 |
| U22 Uzbekistan | 3 | -1 |
This situation turned the final match on November 18 into an open final. U22 Korea was forced to put all their efforts into facing U22 Vietnam, in the context of having to at least preserve their position in competing for the championship. As for U22 Vietnam, after the opening victory against U22 China and the loss to U22 Uzbekistan, the opportunity to return to the title race is still open if they can take advantage of their psychological advantage.
Scenario for U22 Vietnam to win the championship
- U22 Vietnam defeated U22 Korea with a bigger difference than the result of the pair U22 China vs U22 Uzbekistan.
- Or, if the match between U22 China and U22 Uzbekistan ends in a draw, a victory over U22 Korea will help U22 Vietnam win the championship.
In a short tournament, goal difference and a clear-headed approach to the game can mean the difference between a title and regret. With teams tied on points, every transition and set piece counts.
Pressure mounts on U22 Korea before G-hour
The loss to U22 China not only hurt the statistics. It forced U22 Korea to react strongly against U22 Vietnam. The “serious instability” indicated by the 0-2 result created a big psychological problem for this team before the final round.
Korean media reaction
After the 0-2 defeat, the Korean media expressed concern. According to Chosun, the possibility of U22 Korea not being able to defeat U22 Vietnam in the decisive match was warned.
Highlights
- China U22 2-0 South Korea U22; both goals scored by Behram Abduweli.
- For the first time in 21 years, a South Korean men's team lost two consecutive matches to China.
- After two rounds, all four teams have 3 points; goal difference: China +1, Vietnam 0, South Korea 0, Uzbekistan -1.
- U22 Vietnam has a chance to win the championship if they beat U22 Korea and the remaining match scenario is favorable or a draw.
The final leg promises to be tense down to every touch of the ball. When everything is balanced to the maximum, the team that knows how to maintain discipline and take advantage of opportunities will touch the title.