(photo: sina)

China downed Malaysia 3-1 in the group stage second round of Doha Asian Games men's soccer tournament here on Sunday.

Zhou Haibin, who scored the winner in China's first group match against Iraq, broke the deadlock on 40 minutes with a timely follow-up intothe open net after player maker Zheng Zhi's free kick slipped off goalkeeper Syed Adney's hands.

Forward Gao Lin headed home front-line partner Zhu Ting's smart flicker at the far post in the 51st minute.

China could widen the margin, but Shen Longyuan squandered two great chances facing an empty net.

The Malaysians pulled one back with a stunning 35-meter-free kick from midfielder Mohamad Hardi on 65 minutes.

Feng Xiaoting killed the suspense of the game five minutes later when the center back drove home right winger Chen Tao's smart back heel pass inside the box, after Syed Adney tipped over Zheng Zhi's well-curved goal-bound shot in the 64th minute.

China now have six points from two straight wins under their belt and are in good situation to qualify for next round, while Malaysia had to bid farewell to the tournament after two losses.

Editor: Donald