The Chinese national team (timnas) successfully advanced to the final of the AFC U-23 Asian Cup for the first time after defeating Vietnam with a score of 3-0 in the semifinal match in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Tuesday (20/1).
This victory marked a historic step forward for China in the tournament. China had previously failed to advance beyond the group stage in their previous five attempts.
Vietnam reached the knockout stages as Group A winners, scoring eight goals in four matches, losing only to Japan. Meanwhile, China has only scored once since the quarterfinals but has kept a clean sheet throughout the tournament.
Chinese players pose before the 2026 AFC U23 Asian Cup semifinal match against Vietnam in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Jan. 20, 2026. (Xinhua/Wang Haizhou)
After making several changes to the starting lineup, China had seven of their 16 shots on target. Defender Peng Xiao broke the deadlock in the 47th minute with a header, before Xiang Yuwang doubled the lead five minutes later. Wang Yudong sealed the win with a close-range finish in stoppage time.
Peng had scored again in the 73rd minute, and Vietnam's Ly Duc Pham was sent off for a violent foul on Chinese striker Baihelamu as Peng celebrated. The goal was later ruled out for offside after a VAR review.
Chinese players lift head coach Antonio Puche (top) into the air to celebrate after winning the 2026 AFC U23 Asian Cup semifinal match against Vietnam in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Jan. 20, 2026. (Xinhua/Wang Haizhou)
China's Xiang Yuwang (far left) shoots to score during the 2026 AFC U23 Asian Cup semifinal match against Vietnam in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Jan. 20, 2026. (Xinhua/Wang Haizhou)
Goalkeeper Li Hao continued his fine form for China, saving a free-kick from Vietnam's Van Khang Khuat in the 24th minute and denying several chances in stoppage time.
