Defender Zhao Peng's early header gave China a narrow victory over Jamaica in today's international friendly at Hefei Olympic Sports Centre Stadium.

Zhao nodded home Hao Junmin's corner after only 10 minutes to settle the match - a warm-up for the next round of Asian World Cup qualifiers - in the hosts' favour.

The visitors looked more dangerous in the early stages but could not find a way past China goalkeeper Yang Zhi.

Luton Shelton produced a fierce long-range effort in the fourth minute which Yang, at full stretch, did well to palm away to safety.

The home side went ahead six minutes later when Hao's corner picked out Zhao at the near post, and his glancing head beat keeper Dwayne Miller.

Yang Xu went close to doubling their advantage two minutes later, latching onto Yu Hai's cross from the left before unleashing an angled shot that was parried by Miller.

Jamaica caused the home defence countless problems in the remainder of the first half, but China's packed defence kept their rivals at bay.

China almost made it 2-0 on the counter-attack two minutes before the break but Yu headed Rong Hao's cross against the post.

The second half was a quiet affair with the only noteworthy action coming 15 minutes from time when Yu, through one on one with Miller, was denied by an excellent save.

"We played smartly today, doing a good job to make best use of our stamina and stifle or opponents' play," said China manager Gao Hongbo.

"The game showed that our team still has a lot of potential and we will learn how to deal with strong rivals."