China storm into AFC U20 Asian Cup quarters with 5-2 win over Kyrgyzstan

Substitute Zhu Pengyu scored twice as hosts China defeated Kyrgyzstan 5-2 in AFC U20 Asian Cup Group A action on Saturday, securing a spot in the last eight.

Liu Chengyu broke the deadlock before Umar Madaminov equalized for Kyrgyzstan, only for Wang Yudong to restore China's lead just before halftime. Kyrgyzstan was reduced to 10 men early in the second half, allowing China to dominate the remainder of the match.

Liu opened the scoring in the 13th minute, finishing Wang Yudong's cross after Kuai Jiwen provided a through pass from deep on the left side. Kyrgyzstan responded in the 25th minute when Madaminov curled a left-footed shot into the far corner. Wang then put China back in front in the 45th minute with a composed penalty, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way.

Kyrgyzstan's challenge weakened just two minutes into the second half when Artem Istrashkin received a second yellow card, leaving his team a man down. China took advantage moments later as Mao Weijie extended the lead with a header.

Yryskeldi Madanov's header gave Kyrgyzstan a lifeline in the 65th minute, but China nearly restored its advantage five minutes later, only for substitute Zhu Pengyu's header to be denied by the crossbar.

However, Zhu made no mistake in the 80th minute, dribbling into the box and slotting the ball through the goalkeeper's legs to seal the victory. He struck again in injury time, heading home Wang Yifan's cross to complete the 5-2 win.

In an earlier match, Australia defeated Qatar 3-1. With both Australia and China winning their first two matches in the group, they have already secured their places in the final eight.