DOHA, Jan. 13 (Xinhua) -- China coach Aleksandar Jankovic said here on Saturday that his side would not complain too much about a controversial VAR judgement on the decisive goal but focus on the improvement of themselves at the AFC Asian Cup.
Defender Zhu Chenjie's late goal was disallowed before China was held to a goalless draw against Asian Cup debutant Tajikistan in Group A of the continental tournament on Saturday night.
In the 80th minute, Zhu headed a corner home from close range, but the goal was disallowed by VAR for center back Jiang Guangtai's offside.
At that moment, Jiang and a Tajikistan defender were standing on the goal line, jockeying for position. Zhu's header just flew over their heads and both of them did not jump up to make any influence on the ball.
Tajikistan, who made its first ever Asian Cup appearance, started strong in the first half with high pressing tactics, making China hardly organize any effective offence.
"The opening game is always difficult," said Jankovic after the game, adding that there were lots of stress and errors especially in the first half.
"Some movements were okay, but balls were not sharp and precise. In the second half we got some more control. But in general, we have to be more precise and have more control."
The momentum of match changed in the last 30 minutes after several fresh legs including Zhang Yuning, Xu Xin, Xie Pengfei and Lin Liangming being introduced onto the field by Jankovic.
"We were not lucky to score this time. We will keep practice, keep working hard, keep repeating all these good things and correcting the bad things to prepare for next match," said Jankovic.
With one point in the first round, China will face Lebanon on Wednesday, while Tajikistan is set to play against host Qatar, who led the group with three points after Friday's 3-0 win over Lebanon.
A total of 24 teams have been divided into six groups at the Asian Cup, which is held from January 12 to February 10.
China, two-time runner-up, reached the quarterfinals in the past two editions. ■
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