In a gripping quarter-final at the Women’s Asian Cup in Perth, China emerged victorious over Taiwan with a 2-0 win in extra time. This hard-fought victory sets the stage for an exciting semi-final clash against the host nation, Australia, on Tuesday night.

The match, witnessed by 5,238 enthusiastic fans, saw China break the deadlock in the fourth minute of extra time with a goal from Shao Ziqin. The victory was further cemented in the 118th minute, thanks to an unfortunate own goal by Taiwan’s Chen Ying-hui.

Now, China looks ahead to their next challenge at the 60,000-seat Optus Stadium, where they will face Australia. The Matildas secured their semi-final berth with a tense 2-1 triumph over North Korea, a match highlighted by the prowess of players like Sam Kerr and Kennedy.

Despite being the defending champions and ranked 17th in the world, China found Taiwan, ranked 40th, to be a formidable opponent. The game’s intensity was underscored by a disallowed goal in the 39th minute and a last-minute chance in stoppage time when Yao Wei’s shot narrowly missed, striking the post.

This victory not only advances China in the tournament but also promises an electrifying showdown with Australia, as both teams vie for a place in the final.

World No.17 China had a goal rubbed out in the 39th minute but still almost sealed the win without the need for extra-time when Yao Wei fired off a shot in the seventh minute of stoppage time – only for it to hit the upright.

Shao broke the deadlock early in extra-time with a curling strike from just inside the box, but Wurigumula had a penalty saved by Taiwan goalkeeper Chang Chi-Lan in the second period, keeping China on edge.

China made it 2-0 in the dying minutes of extra-time when a cross cannoned into Taiwan defender Chen Ying-Hui and in for a goal.

There didn’t appear to be a repeat of the controversy in Sydney, when former Taiwan coach Chen Kuei-jen was ejected from the stadium during the 3-1 win over India for leading a “Go Taiwan” chant.

Taiwan compete under the name Chinese Taipei in international sporting events.

China had 71.7 per cent possession in the first half of Saturday’s match but it only translated to five shots — and just one on target — due to Taiwan’s water-tight defence.

The one time China truly broke through was in the 39th minute when Zhang Xin’s inch-perfect cross was headed in by Wang Shuang.

But China’s celebrations were short lived, with the VAR revealing Wang had committed a handball in the lead-up play while attempting to chest down the ball.

China unleashed 26 shots to two for the match and enjoyed 72 per cent possession.

What happens next?

The Matildas will play China in the first semi-finals match in Perth on Tuesday, March 17.

There is no word yet on whether star players Hayley Raso or Steph Catley, ruled out of the clash against North Korea with injuries, will return to the pitch.

The remaining quarter-finals fixtures will play out over the next 24 hours.

South Korea will play Uzbekistan on Sunday night. Japan will play the Philippines on Monday afternoon.

The winners of those two matches will face off in the second semi-finals match in Sydney on Wednesday, March 18.

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