Hosts China are looking to lay to rest the ghost of the qualifying campaign for the 2000 Olympic Games when they take on Bahrain in the opening match of the 13th Asian Cup at the Worker's Stadium on July 17 night.

Five years ago, China were beaten 1-0 in their final group match which virtually ended their hopes of topping the group. Having won the first leg 2-1, China needed to win against Bahrain and hope Korean Republic slipped up against the Gulf side in the last match.

The Koreans went on to secure an Olympic spot while China, now managed by Dutch coach Arie Haan, were left wondering what could have been.

Half of the current Chinese squad, including Manchester City's Sun Jihai and Haan's favourite player Zheng Zhi, were part of that team and are determined not to let history repeat itself.

"We defeated Bahrain 2-1 in the first leg," recalled Li Jinyu.

"We would not have lost the second leg had we showed a little more composure. They converted a free kick from the edge of the area to win the game."

Li, who scored a brace in China's 6-0 defeat of Lebanon in a recent friendly, believes Bahrain are the strongest contenders in Group A.

"The opening game will not be easy, but it is crucial for us to secure an opening win."

The last time the teams met was in a friendly last year when they drew 2-2. Both sides have had mixed results in warm-up matches leading up to the Asian Cup.

Bahrain showed class in a 2-0 victory over fellow finalists Thailand last Monday but lost to heavyweights Korea Republic a few days later by the same score.

China's may have demolished Lebanon but were forced a week later to claw their way back from two goals down to hold visiting United Arab Emirates 2-2.

Source: asiancup2004