China vs Australia, 2026 AFC Women's Asian Cup, Semifinals

· AFC Women's Asian Cup

China

26': Zhang Linyan (P)

FT
1 - 2

Australia

17': Caitlin Foord
58': Sam Kerr

Sam Kerr brilliance sinks China in Asian Cup semis

China vs. Australia: Sam Kerr [1296x729]

A ice-cool finish from Sam Kerr has secured Australia's place in the Women's Asian Cup final with a 2-1 win over China.

Match Commentary

7': Yao Wei (China) Yellow Card at 7'
17': Caitlin Foord (Australia) Goal at 17'
24': Mackenzie Arnold (Australia) Yellow Card at 24'
26': Zhang Linyan (China) Penalty - Scored at 26'
35': Wang Aifang (China) Yellow Card at 35'
58': Sam Kerr (Australia) Goal at 58'
59': Winonah Heatley (Australia) Substitution at 59'
71': Jin Kun (China) Substitution at 71'
77': Li Qingtong (China) Substitution at 77'
77': Liu Jing (China) Substitution at 77'
78': Clare Wheeler (Australia) Substitution at 78'
78': Amy Sayer (Australia) Substitution at 78'
87': Yuan Cong (China) Substitution at 87'
87': Wang Linlin (China) Substitution at 87'
87': Wu Haiyan (China) Yellow Card at 87'
90'+3': Charlize Rule (Australia) Substitution at 93'
90'+3': Emily van Egmond (Australia) Substitution at 93'

Statistics

AUS		CHN
5	Fouls	8
1	Yellow Cards	3
0	Red Cards	0
0	Offsides	0
2	Corner Kicks	2
3	Saves	1
55.3	Possession	44.7
8	SHOTS	13
3	ON GOAL	4
0.4	On Target %	0.3
0	Penalty Goals	2
0	Penalty Kicks Taken	1
0	Accurate Passes	0
0	Passes	0
0.0	Pass Completion %	0.0
0	Accurate Crosses	0
0	Crosses	0
0.0	Cross %	0.0
0	Long Balls	0
0	Accurate Long Balls	0
0.0	Long Balls %	0.0
2	Blocked Shots	4
0	Effective Tackles	0
0	Tackles	0
0.0	Tackle %	0.0
0	Interceptions	0
0	Effective Clearances	0
0	Clearances	0

Game Information

Competition: AFC Women's Asian Cup

Venue: Optus Stadium
Location: Perth, Australia
Attendance: 35,170

Line-Ups

China (4-4-2)

No.	Name
12	Peng Shimeng (GK)
8	Yao Wei
5	Wu Haiyan
3	Chen Qiaozhu
20	Zhang Chengxue
26	Zhang Rui
15	Wang Aifang
10	Wang Yanwen
19	Zhang Linyan
23	Shao Ziqin
9	Wurigumula

China Substitutes:

Yuri Zhuravlev, Liu Jing, Li Qingtong, Xie Zongmei, Chen, Wang Linlin, Lu Yatong, Yuan Cong, Jin Kun, Tang Jiali, Wu Chengshu, Wang Ying, Zhang Xin, Li Mengwen.

Australia (4-3-3)

No.	Name
1	Mackenzie Arnold (GK)
7	Steph Catley
4	Clare Hunt
8	Kaitlyn Torpey
21	Ellie Carpenter
14	Alanna Kennedy
19	Katrina Gorry
23	Kyra Cooney-Cross
20	Sam Kerr
9	Caitlin Foord
11	Mary Fowler

Australia Substitutes:

Emily van Egmond, Holly Mcnamara, Jamilla Rankin, Remy Siemsen, Amy Sayer, Morgan Aquino, Hayley Raso, Michelle Heyman, Winonah Heatley, Chloe Lincoln, Clare Wheeler, Alex Chidiac, Courtney Nevin, Kahli Johnson, Charlize Rule.

AFC Women's Asian Cup News

Could Ellie Carpenter contend for best right back in the world?

Anna Harrington at ESPN's The Far Post talk discusses how Chelsea's Ellie Carpenter is growing her game and making a statement this season.

Wheeler has done enough for Matildas starting spot

ESPN's The Far Post discuss Clare Wheeler's performance and argue that she should be in the starting lineup for the Matildas.

Matildas' McNamara sharper for Everton move

ESPN's The Far Post discuss how Matildas striker Holly McNamara has already grown since moving to Everton and looks more sure of herself in an Australian kit.

A-League Women player exodus doesn't just hurt league

ESPN's The Far Post discuss the lack of professionalisation in the A-League Women, how it is driving players to make overseas moves, and could hurt the Matildas in the future.

AFC Women's Asian Cup: Vietnam strike late to down India in opener, as it happened

Follow live updates from India's AFC Women's Asian Cup opener against Vietnam