Kuwait played for around an hour with a man down after key figure Mesad Nada was dismissed for an ugly challenge on Yang Xu in the 36th minute.

China made the most of their numerical advantage to get the upper hand and claim all three points.

Zhang Linpeng hit the opener two minutes from the hour mark with a left-footed volley that deflected off Kuwait's Hussain Fadhel and into the net.

Deng Zhouxiang ensured China's superiority when he netted the second with a free kick 14 minutes from time.

China are now keeping pace with Uzbekistan, who beat hosts Qatar 2-0 Friday in the competition's opening match, on top of Group A with three points.

The match's goals