MELBOURNE, March 31 (Xinhua) -- China fell 2-0 to Cameroon in a FIFA Series match on Tuesday after conceding twice in the opening 10 minutes.

China's goalkeeper Yan Junling (C) reacts as the ball goes past the goal during the international friendly football match between China and Cameroon at the Melbourne Rectangular Stadium in Melbourne on March 31, 2026. (Photo by WILLIAM WEST / AFP)

Facing a physically strong Cameroon side ranked inside the world's top 50, China, currently 93rd in the FIFA standings, fielded a heavily rotated lineup featuring six under-23 players in the starting lineup.

Cameroon took control early, with Karl Etta Eyong opening the scoring in the third minute before Saidou Alioum doubled the lead six minutes later.

China improved after the interval and created several chances, including an early effort from substitute Lin Liangming, but was unable to find a breakthrough.

Goalkeeper Yan Junling produced a fine save to keep his side in the contest, while Wei Shihao went close with a curling free kick. Defender Zhu Chenjie also missed a late chance as Cameroon held on to secure the win.