China PR booked their place in the semi-finals with a hard-fought 2-0 win over Chinese Taipei in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup quarter-final.
Neither of the Wanderers representatives, Wang Ying and Yuan Cong, featured in the match, but the nine-time champions showed their quality with patient build-up play and clinical finishing in extra time.
The nine-time champions controlled the game from the outset, creating several chances through Zhang Xin, Wang Shuang, and Shao Ziqin. Chinese Taipei defended resolutely and had a few moments on the break, including a close effort from Chen Jin-Wen in the first half, but were unable to convert.
China PR’s patient build-up nearly paid off before halftime when Wang Shuang’s header was ruled out for handball.
The breakthrough came in the 94th minute when Shao Ziqin finished a clever layoff from Wang Shuang to put China PR ahead.
Late in extra time, Wurigumula linked with substitute Jin Kun, with the cross deflecting off Ying-Hui and over the line to seal the 2-0 win.
Chinese Taipei were denied a penalty in the second half of extra time as goalkeeper Wang Yu-Ting made a crucial save, but China PR held firm to progress to the semi-finals.
