China names weakened squad for final Asian Cup qualifier

BEIJING, Nov 1 (Reuters) China have left out their overseas-based players for their final Asian Cup qualifier against Iraq in Changsha later this month.

Both China and Iraq have qualified from Group E for the finals, which will be held in Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia and Vietnam in July next year.

Energie Cottbus midfielder Shao Jiayi and defensive stalwart Li Weifeng of Shanghai Shenhua will miss the Nov. 15 match in Hunan province as they are still serving suspensions.

Manchester City defender Sun Jihai, meanwhile, is among the European-based players omitted from the 26-man squad posted on the Chinese Football Association (CFA) Web site.

China were runners-up to Japan in the 2004 Asian Cup.

Squad: Goalkeepers: Li Leilei, Zhang Lu, Yang Zhi Defenders: Ji Mingyi, Zhang Yaokun, Xu Liang, Xu Yunlong, Sun Xiang, Wu Weian, Feng Xiaoting, Zhao Jialin Midfielders: Zheng Zhi, Zhou Haibin, Zhao Xuri, Zhao Junzhe, Cao Yang, Jiang Kun, Wang Dong, Chen Tao, Du Zhenyu, Zheng Bin Forwards: Li Jinyu, Han Peng, Mao Jianqing, Gao Lin, Zhu Ting REUTERS PM BST1518