Reigning champions China took another step toward successfully defending their AFC Women's Asian Cup title, after battling from behind to defeat the DPRK 2-1 in Sydney on Monday.

Both teams entered the match having already qualified for the knockout phase, but China needed all three points to top Group B, due to the opposing side's better goal difference. The DPRK added another goal to their impressive tally in the 32nd minute, when Han Jin-hong surged down the right flank and picked out Kim Kyong-yong, who finished in style to score the opener.

But it was 1-1 just two minutes later. Following a corner kick, the ball eventually fell at the feet of Chen Qiaozhu, who blasted a perfectly-placed effort into the bottom corner from the edge of the box.

The turnaround was complete in first-half stoppage time. A badly-executed offside trap allowed Zhang Chengxue to lay the ball on a plate for Wang Shuang, who put China in front.

With no goals scored in the second half, the contest ended 2-1. The win means China finished on top of Group B and will face either Vietnam or Chinese Taipei for a place in the semifinals. The DPRK will go up against host nation Australia on Friday.