Players of Vietnam (in red) and China compete for the ball during their semifinal at the 2026 AFC U23 Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia, January 20, 2026. Photo: AFC
China took control after a scoreless first half and broke the deadlock early in the second period when Peng Xiao headed in from a corner, before Xiang Yuwang doubled the advantage in the 52nd minute with a long-range strike.
Vietnam’s task became harder when defender Pham Ly Duc was shown a straight red card, leaving the team a man down, although a later VAR review overturned a potential third goal for China.
Wang Yudong added a late goal to complete the 3-0 win, sending China into the AFC U23 Asian Cup final for the first time, where they will play Japan on Saturday.
Vietnam will face South Korea in the third-place match on Friday.
The 2026 AFC U23 Asian Cup is being held in Saudi Arabia from January 6 to 24.
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