Chinese national football team beats CSL side Henan in warm-up match

SHANGHAI - The Chinese men's national football team defeated Chinese Super League side Henan Songshanlongmen FC 2-0 in the first warm-up game during their training camp in Shanghai on Tuesday.

Ai Kesen scored from the spot in the 20th minute to put China 1-0 ahead. Midfielder Zhang Xizhe made it 2-0 in the 40th minute with a ferocious shot.

The second half witnessed a heated battle as both sides rotated players but there was no change to the score.

Chinese team head coach Li Tie dedicated the win to midfielder Jiang Zhipeng's father who died on Sunday.

"I want to thank all the players for their efforts. We dedicate the victory to Jiang Zhipeng's father, who passed away on Sunday morning. Jiang only asked for a two-day leave and expressed his strong desire to participate in the game after rushing back to Shanghai. I was very moved by his strong desire to play the match for the national team," Li wrote on social media.

Captain Yu Dabao gave his armband to Jiang in the second half.

The victory marks the national team's seventh consecutive win in warm-up games since Li became the head coach. The team will face Shandong Taishan FC on Saturday.