The first match of the U18 women's football finals wrapped up on Friday (June 13) in Guangdong's Zhaoqing, which saw the host team Guangdong fall 1-2 to a determined Zhejiang side. The U18 competition runs from June 13 to 24 at the Zhaoqing New District Sports Centre and Zhaoqing Sports Centre. Twelve teams are divided into three groups and will advance through round-robin matches within groups and knockout. Group A: Guangdong (host), Zhejiang, Shaanxi, Hainan
Group B: Shanghai, Hebei, Beijing, Hunan
Group C: Sichuan, Hubei, Shandong, Jiangsu
The top two teams from each group, plus the two best third-placed teams, will advance to the knockout quarter-finals. The remaining teams will compete for 9th to 12th place. Despite the opening loss, Guangdong coach Li Hui expressed long-term confidence in his young squad. "Both teams have their strengths," Li acknowledged. "Our young players need to improve their finishing ability. The teams are closely matched, but Zhejiang showed better adaptability when facing difficulties." Guangdong Team Coach Li Hui at press briefing after the first match against Zhejiang.
Li framed the defeat as a valuable learning experience: "This is a necessary adaptation process for young players. They need time to find their rhythm in the game. Accumulating experience in major tournaments like this is crucial for their growth." Guangdong team.
"As the competition progresses, I believe the players will relax more and fully display Guangdong's characteristics," Li added. "We will be prepared." Guangdong player Xiao Yun remained defiant after the loss. "The tournament isn't over," she stated firmly. "This first defeat doesn't determine our final outcome. We will fight for every ball in every match ahead. The whole team is still full of confidence in victory!" Guangdong Team Player Xiao Yun.
Zhejiang coach Li Wenjun expressed satisfaction with the result but acknowledged room for improvement. "We are very pleased with the scoreline, though there are details we need to summarize and improve upon," she said. She praised the hosts: "The Guangdong players are technically sound with the ball and very tenacious." Li Wenjun added that her team prepared thoroughly for facing the hosts and would take the tournament "step by step, playing solidly in every match." Zhejiang Team Coach Li Wenjun at press briefing.
Both teams rated the Zhaoqing venues favorably for their squads and commended the excellent organization. "The football pitch at Zhaoqing New District Sports Centre is very professional," said Zhejiang coach Li Wenjun. "Everyone was excited, and the atmosphere was excellent."
Teams will continue their group stage battles in the coming days, with the path to the championship presenting significant challenges. Coaches emphasized a steady, game-by-game approach.
The 15th National Games, co-hosted by Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao, will officially open in November 2025, running from November 9 to 21. The opening ceremony will be held in Guangzhou and the closing ceremony in Shenzhen. This marks the first time for the three regions -- Guangdong, Hong Kong SAR and Macao SAR to co-host the country’s largest, highest-level, and most influential comprehensive sports event.
Zhaoqing city, positioned as the sporting hub of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, is one of the competition zones.
Reporter/Script | Huang Xinyi
Video & Poster ｜Guo Hongda
Photo | Guo Hongda
Editor | Hu Nan, James, Shen He