China finish third at AFC Women's Asian Cup

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02:02

China defeated Thailand 3-1 at the Amman International Stadium on Friday to finish third at the AFC Women's Asian Cup. It was the Southeast Asian side who had the best chance to score in the first half when Nipawan Panyosuk's shot tested China goalkeeper Peng Shimeng in the 12th minute.

China broke the deadlock six minutes after the restart when Li Danyang found Li Ying, who turned and struck the ball past Thailand goalkeeper Waraporn Boonsing from the edge of the box. It marked Li's seventh goal of the competition.

Li Ying of China celebrates scoring the opening goal during the AFC Women's Asian Cup third place match. /VCG Photo

Sigurdur Eyjolfsson's side doubled their lead in the 56th minute as Wang Shanshan reacted quickest to turn the ball home, after Thailand's Boonsing had parried Ren Guixin's initial effort. Song Duan then capitalized on a Thai defensive mishap to make it 3-0 just past the hour mark with a first-time strike into an empty net, after Boonsing had gone down challenging for the ball.

Thailand pulled a goal back with nine minutes left to play when Rattikan Thongsombut netted from close range, after Silawan Intamee's shot ricocheted back off both posts after being saved by Peng.

China held on to secure a 3-1 win and finished the 2018 AFC Women's Asian Cup tournament in third place. "I think we did okay. The team should have created more chances to score. So we still have a lot to learn because we have done better,” says the golden boot winner Li Ying.

The Japanese team poses with the trophy after winning the AFC Women's Asian Cup final between Japan and Australia at the Amman International Stadium in Amman, Jordan, April 20, 2018. /VCG photo

In another game, Japan successfully defended their title, beating Australia 1-0 in a hard-fought final thanks to the only goal from substitute Kumi Yokoyama. Japan sealed their third major trophy in seven years, and their first under beloved former player Nadeshiko Takakura.