Peng Xiao (front 2nd L) of China celebrates after scoring during the 2026 AFC U23 Asian Cup semifinal match between China and Vietnam in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Jan. 20, 2026. (Xinhua/Wang Haizhou)

JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia, Jan. 20 (Xinhua) -- China reached the final of AFC U23 Asian Cup for the first time after defeating Vietnam 3-0 in the semifinals on Tuesday in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

China defender Peng Xiao broke the deadlock in the 47th minute with a header before Xiang Yuwang doubled the score five minutes later. Wang Yudong sealed the victory with a close-range push shot in injury time.

The Chinese team will face defending champion Japan in the final on Saturday. ■

Xiang Yuwang (1st L) of China shoots to score during the 2026 AFC U23 Asian Cup semifinal match between China and Vietnam in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Jan. 20, 2026. (Xinhua/Wang Haizhou)

Bao Shengxin (C) of China controls the ball during the 2026 AFC U23 Asian Cup semifinal match between China and Vietnam in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Jan. 20, 2026. (Xinhua/Wang Haizhou)

Players of China celebrate after winning the 2026 AFC U23 Asian Cup semifinal match between China and Vietnam in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Jan. 20, 2026. (Xinhua/Wang Haizhou) 

Wang Bohao (R) of China vies with Thanh Nhan Nguyen of Vietnam during the 2026 AFC U23 Asian Cup semifinal match between China and Vietnam in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Jan. 20, 2026. (Xinhua/Wang Haizhou)

Players of China celebrate after winning the 2026 AFC U23 Asian Cup semifinal match between China and Vietnam in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Jan. 20, 2026. (Xinhua/Wang Haizhou)

Players of China toss head coach Antonio Puche (top) in the air to celebrate after winning the 2026 AFC U23 Asian Cup semifinal match between China and Vietnam in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Jan. 20, 2026. (Xinhua/Wang Haizhou)

Starting players of China pose before the 2026 AFC U23 Asian Cup semifinal match between China and Vietnam in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Jan. 20, 2026. (Xinhua/Wang Haizhou)