WUHAN, June 4 (Xinhua) -- China's women's national team lost 2-1 to Russia in the CFA Team China International Women's Football Competition in central Chinese city of Wuhan on Wednesday.

China fielded almost the same line-up as the one that reached the semifinals of the Women's Asian Cup in March, a run that secured qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup.

China had more than 60 percent of possession during the opening 45 minutes, earning seven corner kicks and registering six shots, but was unable to convert.

Russia broke the deadlock in the 54th minute when Natalia Mashina struck a volley from the flank. Chinese goalkeeper Pan Hongyan got a hand to the ball, but could only deflect it onto the post and into the net.

China responded quickly, as Wang Shuang leveled the score with a powerful long-range effort five minutes later.

In the 87th minute, Azaliya Zalmieva converted Veronika Kuropatkina's corner to restore Russia's lead at 2-1. Anna Kozhinikova also headed home in stoppage time, but the goal was disallowed for offside.

"China played better at the beginning of the game, but we were prepared for this. We improved our game after the first 10 minutes, made more attacks and the game became more equal," said Russia head coach Lury Krasnozhan. "Also, this victory is very important for our team, because we had played China several times, but never won."

"But we are not going to celebrate right now, because in several days we will face China a second time," Krasnozhan added.

China head coach Ante Milicic noted that the game went pretty much as expected. "It was a tough game in tough conditions. We knew that our opponent is physically strong. I thought we created enough chances to maybe get a result. In the end, disappointed with the two goals that we conceded."

Milicic added that the defeat was a good learning opportunity. "Sometimes in Asia, we play against some countries where we are dominant. Tonight, they're big girls. They defended well. We had 10 corners, they had four, but it's not so big an advantage for us that it's sometimes in Asia. So, these are the things that we have to learn."

On the starting lineup, Milicic said: "There are a lot of things behind the selections. I wanted to give the players that did well at the Asian Cup a chance in front of their home crowd to play. We'll make changes in the second game, and young players will get an opportunity, but you can't put them in too much too soon."

The match is part of China's fourth national-team training camp this year, which runs from May 18 to June 8 as preparations continue for the 2026 Asian Games and the 2027 Women's World Cup.

The two teams are also scheduled to play a training match behind closed doors on Sunday, providing further opportunities for China's coaching staff to evaluate players and tactics.