China Secures Quarterfinal Spot with Convincing 3-0 Win Over Uzbekistan at AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — The Chinese women’s national football team booked their place in the quarterfinals of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™, defeating Uzbekistan 3-0 in a Group B match on Friday.

Despite making nine changes to the lineup following their 2-0 win over Bangladesh on Tuesday, China dominated from the opening minutes, forcing Uzbekistan to adopt a low defensive block. The Central Asian side looked organized at the back, but China consistently created half-chances that Wu Chengshu and Shao Qiqin could not initially convert.

Shao Qiqin opened the scoring in the 30th minute, converting a penalty awarded after Holida Dadaboyeva pulled her jersey. Referee Supiree Testhomya immediately awarded the spot-kick. Two minutes before halftime, Shao had another opportunity to extend the lead, but Maftuna Jonimkulova made a brilliant save from Chen Qiaozhu’s cross from the left flank.

The second goal came in the sixth minute of the second half. Jonimkulova misjudged a play, and a turnover by Dilrabo Asadova allowed Li Mengwen to pass to Li Qinqin, who slotted the ball into an open net. Later, Tang Jiali tested Jonimkulova with a curling strike from the edge of the penalty area, but the goalkeeper held firm.

The final goal came in the 77th minute when Qintong completed her brace, connecting with Zhang Xin’s cross from the right flank, sealing China’s commanding victory. The result also confirmed North Korea’s progression to the knockout stage; the two East Asian teams will meet on Monday to determine the group winner.