Football fans, get ready! China’s U23 squad stormed into the AFC U23 Asian Cup final for the first time after a commanding 3-0 win over Vietnam in Jeddah on Tuesday. ⚽🔥
Vietnam nearly took the lead in the 24th minute when Khuat Van Khang curled a stunning free-kick, only to be denied by keeper Li Hao. Moments later, Li pulled off another incredible save to keep his clean sheet intact.
After the break, China turned the tide. Peng Xiao shrugged off a challenge to head home the opener, and just minutes later, Xiang Yuwang dazzled past three defenders before slotting in the second. 🇨🇳
Though Peng thought he’d made it 3-0, VAR ruled out the goal for offside. The moment turned sour for Vietnam as Pham Ly Duc was shown a straight red, reducing them to 10 men.
Deep into stoppage time, substitute Behram Abduweli set up Wang Yudong for the third goal, sealing a historic victory. Next up: defending champions Japan in Saturday’s final. Can China pull off an upset? Stay tuned! 🎉
Reference(s):
China powers past Vietnam to make U23 Asian Cup final for first time
cgtn.com
