China reach first-ever semifinals at AFC U23 Asian Cup

China edged Uzbekistan 4-2 on penalties after a 0-0 draw and advanced to the semifinals of the AFC U23 Asian Cup for the first time in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

2018 champions Uzbekistan, who also reached the final in 2022 and 2024, dominated possession and launched four shots in the opening ten minutes alone. They controlled 75 percent of the ball and in the first half they had 11 shots compared to China's two, but China's goalkeeper Li Hao was equal to the task.  

China battled back in the second half and attacked more actively as Behram Abduweli attempted a bicycle kick in the 51st minute. Ten minutes later, Li made a spectacular diving stop on Ravshan Khayrullaev's long-range effort.  

China's defense proved impenetrable and the match was forced into a penalty shootout after 120 minutes. The two sides traded successful spot-kicks before the third round when Uzbekistan's Mukhammad Karimov hit the crossbar. Li stepped up again and saved Dilshod Abdullaev's penalty.

Wang Bohao then sealed the victory, sending the Chinese bench into wild celebrations as the final whistle confirmed a 4-2 shootout win. China ended a three-match losing streak against Uzbekistan in the tournament and reached the semifinals for the first time where Antonio Puche's men will face Vietnam.