China and Australia qualify for U23 AFC Asian Cup finals

XI'AN, Sept. 9 (Xinhua) -- China and Australia took a point apiece as they played out a 0-0 stalemate in the final Group D game of the AFC U23 Asian Cup qualifiers, with both teams reaching the finals.

The Olyroos finished as group winners with a superior goal difference. China took second place and qualified by virtue of finishing as one of the four best runners-up among the 11 qualifying groups.

Australia dominated possession and had the chance to break the deadlock in the first half, but striker Nathanael Blair's header was kept out by China goalkeeper Li Hao in the 39th minute.

In the 48th minute, Oscar Priestman could have given Australia the lead, but his close-range volley was denied by Li, and Blair fired over the crossbar eight minutes later.

"We came here knowing it was going to be a difficult match against a very good team," Australia head coach Antony Vidmar told Xinhua after the game.

"We really fought hard in difficult conditions, so we're very proud." Vidmar added.

China head coach Antonio Puche Vicente said he was satisfied with his players' efforts. "Before the qualifiers, I asked my players to bring Chinese football fans some happiness, because Chinese fans have had few opportunities to feel happy. Today, my players finished our mission," he said.

"We fought like 11 Terracotta Warriors on the pitch," Vicente added.

The U23 Asian Cup finals will be held in January 2026 in Saudi Arabia. ■