China Edge Taiwan in Extra Time, Face Matildas in Semi-Finals

Shao Ziqin scores late winner as China beat Taiwan 2-0

China defeats Taiwan 2-0 in extra time, booking a semi-final clash with hosts Australia at the Women's Asian Cup. Shao Ziqin's 94th-minute goal sends China to the semi-finals, Taiwan miss out on World Cup spot.

China's defending champions secure spot in semi-finals, face Australia after beating Taiwan in thriller...

China's defending champions secured a spot in the Women's Asian Cup semi-finals with a thrilling 2-0 win over Taiwan in extra time. Shao Ziqin's stunning goal in the 94th minute paved the way for China's victory, followed by an own goal from Taiwan's Chen Ying-hui.

The win sets up a blockbuster semi-final clash against hosts Australia, also known as the Matildas, at the Optus Stadium on Tuesday. China will be without star midfielder Wang Shuang, who picked up a yellow card in the match and will miss the semi-final.

Wurigumula missed the spot kick, but China still managed to seal victory at Perth Rectangular Stadium through an own goal from Chen Ying-hui.

That goal kept China's bid for a record-extending 10th title on track, and also ensured their direct qualification for the 2027 World Cup in Brazil.

“Of course, she's a loss. There is going to be an opportunity for someone else,” China head coach Ante Milicic said.

“These girls are so resilient. I'll back my girls against any opponent.”

Taiwan will face North Korea in a play-off, with a spot in the 2027 Women's World Cup up for grabs. This match comes after China's 2-0 win over Taiwan, securing their place in the semi-finals against Australia.

“They put everything they have on the pitch and showed how strong their heart is,” Taiwan head coach Prasobchoke Chokemor said.

“We are still on the way to chase our dream of the World Cup.”

The crowd of 5,238 was relatively split, but the Taiwanese fans were definitely more vocal, cheering on their team with passion.

Some Chinese fans were sporting shirts with “China is my faith” on the back, showing their national pride.

Taiwan's strong support at the Women's Asian Cup was momentarily overshadowed by controversy in Sydney when former coach Chen Kuei-jen was ejected for leading a “Go Taiwan” chant. The incident sparked protests from Taiwan, with their foreign ministry condemning the AFC's actions as “unequal treatment” and urging organizers to uphold human rights and fairness.

The AFC had instructed Taiwanese fans to use “Chinese Taipei” instead of “Taiwan,” citing a compromise with China to allow Taiwan's participation in international sports. This restriction has long been a source of frustration for Taiwanese fans, who see it as suppressing their national identity.

The quarter-final match between China and Taiwan had significant political undertones, stemming from China's claim over the self-ruled island of Taiwan. Taiwan competes under the name “Chinese Taipei” in international sports events, a compromise made to allow them to participate without being recognized as a sovereign nation.

This naming issue is a result of China's “One China” policy, which asserts Taiwan is part of its territory. Taiwan's government rejects this claim, seeking international recognition as an independent nation. The situation has led to tensions, with Taiwanese fans often expressing their national identity through chants and banners, sometimes leading to controversy.

They'll face the Matildas on Tuesday at the 60,000-seat Perth Stadium, after the hosts edged North Korea 2-1 in the last eight.

China will be without star midfielder Wang Shuang, who was handed a yellow card for the second straight match, so they'll have to adjust their game plan.

Taiwan started strong with an attacking flair, but China's midfield control and possession dominance took over. Just before halftime, Wang's header seemed to seal the deal, sparking joy among Chinese fans. However, the goal was ruled out due to a VAR check.

AET.

⚽ Shao 94'
⚽ Chen 118' (OG)

Defending champions China beat Chinese Taipei in extra-time to qualify for the semi-finals. pic.twitter.com/sPoFrdDEXx

— Plaantik (@Plaantik) March 14, 2026

Despite the setback, China continued to pressure Taiwan, eventually breaking through in extra time with Shao Ziqin's 94th-minute strike. Taiwan's goalkeeper Cheng Ssu-yu made impressive saves, but China sealed the win with an own goal from Chen Ying-hui.

But their celebrations were short-lived, as the goal was overturned due to a handball by Wang earlier in the play.

China pushed hard after halftime, but Taiwan's counter-attacks kept them on their toes. The match was heading into extra time when substitute Yao Wei's shot hit the crossbar, setting the stage for Shao Ziqin's winner.