Striker Zhu Ting scored the lone goal as China withstood a late Syrian barrage at the Perak Stadium on Wednesday to advance to the final of the AFC Youth Championship 2004.

Zhu kept his cool to net a fine goal nine minutes into the second half after Hamzeh Al Aitoni's attempted clearance had been blocked by Zhou Haibin. The Chinese forward picked up the loose ball and sidestepped a sliding challenge by Salah Shahrour before slipping the ball past goalkeeper Adnan Al Hafez for the winner.

The Syrians laid siege to the China goal in the final half-hour as they desperately chased an equalizer, but profligate finishing ultimately proved costly for the Middle Eastern side as they fell to a 1-0 defeat.

The Chinese enjoyed a bright start to the game as midfielder Wang Hongliang fired a fierce shot from the left edge of the Syrian box that was pushed out by goalkeeper Adnan Al Hafez.

Syria responded with an effort from 25 metres by Abdul Alrazak Al Housani that was turned aside by China goalie Guan Zhen.

Ren Yongshun had a chance to break the deadlock when he headed wide from in front of goal 11 minutes before the break.

China continued to attack at the start of the second half and only a last ditch tackle by a Syrian defender prevented Chen Tao from putting China ahead.

However, their pressure finally paid off in the 54th minute when Syria's blocked clearance found the lurking Zhu Ting, who tucked away the opening goal.

China threatened to add to their lead as Zhu Ting narrowly failed to connect with a cross from the right while Liu Yu's attempted flick was stopped by Al Hafez.

The final half-hour was completely dominated by Syria. Skipper Majed Al Haj outpaced the Syria defence down the right wing before cutting in towards goal and putting his shot wide of the far post.

Samer Nahlous and Adbul Fattah Alaga both sent headers wide while substitute Meaataz Kailouni missed two good chances, with a volley from the left flying over and a looping shot from the edge of the box just clearing the goalkeeper and crossbar.

With the win, China reached the final of the competition for the fourth time. They will be looking to claim only their second Asian Youth title when they meet 10-time champions Korea Republic at the Cheras Stadium in Kuala Lumpur on Saturday evening.

(Agencies)

barrage: a rapid, concentrated discharge of missiles, as from small arms（弹幕射击）

sidestep: to step aside（横跨一步躲闪）

profligate: recklessly wasteful; wildly extravagant（肆意挥霍的）

lurk: （潜伏）