China reaches AFC U23 Asian Cup final for the first time

Peng Xiao (front 2nd L) of China celebrates after scoring during the 2026 AFC U23 Asian Cup semifinal match between China and Vietnam in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Jan. 20, 2026. (Xinhua/Wang Haizhou)

JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia, Jan. 20 (Xinhua) -- China reached the final of the AFC U23 Asian Cup for the first time after defeating Vietnam 3-0 in the semifinals in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on Tuesday.

The victory marks a historic step forward for China in the tournament, who had failed to advance from the group stage in any of their five prior attempts.

Vietnam reached the knockout stage as Group A winner, scoring eight goals in four matches, second only to Japan. China scored once since the quarterfinal but has kept a clean sheet throughout the tournament.

After making several changes to the starting lineup, China put seven of its 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 victory with a close-range finish in stoppage time.

Peng appeared to score again in the 73rd minute, and Vietnam's Ly Duc Pham was sent off for a retaliatory action against China forward Baihelamu as Peng celebrated. The goal was later ruled out for offside after a VAR review.

Goalkeeper Li Hao continued his strong form for China, saving a free kick from Vietnam's Van Khang Khuat in the 24th minute and denying several chances in stoppage time.

China will face defending champion Japan in the final on Saturday.

Xiang Yuwang (1st L) of China shoots to score during the 2026 AFC U23 Asian Cup semifinal match between China and Vietnam in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Jan. 20, 2026. (Xinhua/Wang Haizhou)

Bao Shengxin (C) of China controls the ball during the 2026 AFC U23 Asian Cup semifinal match between China and Vietnam in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Jan. 20, 2026. (Xinhua/Wang Haizhou)

Players of China celebrate after winning the 2026 AFC U23 Asian Cup semifinal match between China and Vietnam in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Jan. 20, 2026. (Xinhua/Wang Haizhou)

Wang Bohao (R) of China vies with Thanh Nhan Nguyen of Vietnam during the 2026 AFC U23 Asian Cup semifinal match between China and Vietnam in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Jan. 20, 2026. (Xinhua/Wang Haizhou)

Players of China celebrate after winning the 2026 AFC U23 Asian Cup semifinal match between China and Vietnam in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Jan. 20, 2026. (Xinhua/Wang Haizhou)

Players of China toss head coach Antonio Puche (top) in the air to celebrate after winning the 2026 AFC U23 Asian Cup semifinal match between China and Vietnam in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Jan. 20, 2026. (Xinhua/Wang Haizhou)

Starting players of China pose before the 2026 AFC U23 Asian Cup semifinal match between China and Vietnam in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Jan. 20, 2026. (Xinhua/Wang Haizhou)