China Overcomes Taiwan in Extra Time to Reach Women's Asian Cup Semi-Finals

Champions from the previous tournament China netted two goals during extra time to secure a high-profile semi-final matchup against the host nation Australia in the Women's Asian Cup following a gripping 2-0 triumph against Taiwan on Saturday.

Shao Ziqin expertly slotted the ball into the right corner during the 94th minute and then won a penalty during the latter part of extra time.

Replacement player Wurigumula failed to convert the penalty but China clinched the win at Perth Rectangular Stadium via an own goal by Chen Ying-hui.

This result maintains Chinas pursuit of a 10th title breaking their own record and also guarantees their straight entry into the 2027 World Cup in Brazil.

They are set to play the Matildas on Tuesday at the 60000-seat Perth Stadium following the hosts narrow 2-1 victory over North Korea in the quarter-finals.

Taiwan now heads to a play-off versus North Korea with a direct World Cup qualification at stake.

The quarter-final carried political nuances due to Chinas assertion over the autonomous island of Taiwan which participates as Chinese Taipei in global sports competitions.

This arrangement forms a diplomatic agreement with China permitting their involvement in key events without asserting independence.

The attendance of 5238 showed a fairly even divide between supporters though the Taiwanese group was notably louder.

A few Chinese supporters waved flags and donned shirts bearing the phrase China is my faith on the reverse.

Similar to China Taiwan has received robust backing throughout the event yet an incident occurred in the crowd during their previous match in Sydney.

Ex-Taiwan manager Chen Kuei-jen was removed from the venue for initiating a Go Taiwan chant.

No such occurrence happened on Saturday.

Taiwan is recognised for its resilient backline but displayed offensive creativity at the start.

China took charge in the centre of the pitch controlled the ball and seemed poised to score near the end of the first half as Wang Shuang nodded it in eliciting cheers from Chinese followers.

However the joy was brief as the goal was disallowed for a handball by Wang in the build-up.

China increased the pressure post-interval but Taiwan posed dangers on quick breaks.

In the closing moments of normal time substitute Yao Weis fierce shot struck the crossbar sending the game into extra time where Shao made her mark.