China and UAE clash ends all square

China and the U-A-E played to a scoreless draw on the opening day of the Dubai Football Challenge. Without key players such as Li Weifeng, Sun Xiang and Zheng Zhi, China didn't threaten its opponent as much.

The UAE's Abdullah Al Noubi (left) has his shirt tugged by China's Yan Li as he tries to get to the ball during the  second match of the Dubai Football Challenge 2008 at Al  Nasr Club's Maktoum Stadium.(Karl Jeffs/Gulf News )

On the other hand, the U-A-E squandered a number of scoring chances. China played a passive match. At the 18th minute, the U-A-E sent a cross into the penalty box which beat Chinese player Zhang Xiaofei's hand, but there was no response from the referee.

The second controversial chance came at the 24th minute. The U-A-E had a shot from the penalty box, but the ball was blocked by Zhang Yaokun. Finally this U-A-E would-be goal came at the 61th minute, but it was denied by the referee. So both teams left the pitch on a nil-nil final score.