Zhang Linyan (R) of China vies with Stephanie Catley (L) of Australia during the semifinal of Women's Asian Cup between China and Australia at Perth Stadium in Perth, Australia, March 17, 2026. (Xinhua/Ma Ping)

PERTH, March 17 (Xinhua) -- Host Australia advanced into the AFC Women's Asian Cup final, beating defending champion China 2-1 in the semifinal here on Tuesday night. ■

Sam Kerr of Australia celebrates a goal during the semifinal of Women's Asian Cup between China and Australia at Perth Stadium in Perth, Australia, March 17, 2026. (Xinhua/Ma Ping)

Wang Aifang (R) of China vies with Katrina Gorry of Australia during the semifinal of Women's Asian Cup between China and Australia at Perth Stadium in Perth, Australia, March 17, 2026. (Photo by Zhou Dan/Xinhua)

Zhang Linyan (L, top) of China is tackled by Mackenzie Arnold (bottom), goalkeeper of Australia, during the semifinal of Women's Asian Cup between China and Australia at Perth Stadium in Perth, Australia, March 17, 2026. (Xinhua/Ma Ping)

Shao Ziqin (L) of China vies with Ellie Carpenter of Australia during the semifinal of Women's Asian Cup between China and Australia at Perth Stadium in Perth, Australia, March 17, 2026. (Xinhua/Ma Ping)

Caitlin Foord (2nd L) of Australia competes during the semifinal of Women's Asian Cup between China and Australia at Perth Stadium in Perth, Australia, March 17, 2026. (Photo by Zhou Dan/Xinhua)

Sam Kerr of Australia shoots during the semifinal of Women's Asian Cup between China and Australia at Perth Stadium in Perth, Australia, March 17, 2026. (Xinhua/Ma Ping)

Players of China react after the semifinal of Women's Asian Cup between China and Australia at Perth Stadium in Perth, Australia, March 17, 2026. (Xinhua/Ma Ping)

Members of team China are seen after the semifinal of Women's Asian Cup between China and Australia at Perth Stadium in Perth, Australia, March 17, 2026. (Photo by Zhou Dan/Xinhua)

Wang Yanwen (R) of China vies with Ellie Carpenter of Australia during the semifinal of Women's Asian Cup between China and Australia at Perth Stadium in Perth, Australia, March 17, 2026. (Xinhua/Ma Ping)

Kaitlyn Torpey (R) of Australia competes during the semifinal of Women's Asian Cup between China and Australia at Perth Stadium in Perth, Australia, March 17, 2026. (Xinhua/Ma Ping)

Caitlin Foord (top) of Australia vies with Shao Ziqin of China during the semifinal of Women's Asian Cup between China and Australia at Perth Stadium in Perth, Australia, March 17, 2026. (Xinhua/Ma Ping)

Caitlin Foord (R) of Australia competes during the semifinal of Women's Asian Cup between China and Australia at Perth Stadium in Perth, Australia, March 17, 2026. (Xinhua/Ma Ping)