Zibo city in East China's Shandong province and Madagascar recently staged a soccer match to deepen youth exchanges.

Zibo's soccer team in Zichuan district held a friendly football event with 10 Madagascar friends, including Rakotoniaina, Rakotonirina and Randrianasolo.

Using football as the opportunity, the event provided foreign friends with communication opportunities, building a bridge for cultural and sports exchanges between China and other countries.

"I have been looking forward to this competition for a long time and have learned professional skills and exchanged skills. We're going to Zibo to experience the charms of China in person," said Rakotonirina.

A hotly contested football match gets underway. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Zibo and Madagascar friends pose for a photo. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]