China defeated Australia 2-0 in the semi-finals of the 2026 AFC U17 Asian Cup in Jeddah on Tuesday, reaching the final for the first time in 22 years.

China posed an early threat through several attacking moves in the opening stage and continued to dominate during the first half, but the Australian defence managed to keep the score level until halftime.

China broke the deadlock in the 49th minute when Shuai Weihao received a pass from Zhou Yunuo and fired a low shot into the net.

Australia pushed for an equaliser, but China maintained their advantage and relied on counterattacks to threaten the Australian goal.

In stoppage time, substitute Xie Jin scored China's second goal after capitalising on a defensive mistake inside the penalty area, confirming his side's place in the final.

"We were very united as a team in this match, and we gave everything to win it," Shuai said after the match.

China head coach Bin Ukishima said his players had shown great resilience throughout the tournament, "especially in difficult situations, they were still able to maintain that resilience until the end."

China will face Japan in the final on Friday. In the group stage, China lost to Japan 2-1.

Ukishima said the team had learned lessons from that defeat. Looking ahead to the final, he said he would make corresponding preparations based on China's own characteristics and the opponent's attacking and defensive approach.

Despite the group-stage loss, Xie said, "we still believe in ourselves and fear no opponent." (Xinhua)



Edited by Edmond Fong