JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia - China continued its journey at the 2026 AFC U17 Asian Cup as it advanced to the semifinals by defeating host Saudi Arabia 3-1 in the quarterfinals here on Friday.

Both sides exchanged early attacks as they looked to gain control of the match, with China creating several dangerous chances through long-range efforts.

Saudi Arabia took the lead in the 21st minute when Faisal Bayomi scored following a pass from Ammar Maimani on the left side.

China responded quickly as Wan Xiang equalized in the 27th minute with a strike into the bottom left corner.

China took the lead in the 59th minute when Zhao Songyuan finished from a close range on an assist from He Sifan inside the box.

Saudi Arabia pushed for an equalizer in the closing stages, but China added a third goal in stoppage time through He, whose powerful long-range strike ended Saudi Arabia's hopes and secured China's place in the semifinals, where it will face the winner between Australia and Vietnam.

Zhao said after the match that he was very excited after defeating Saudi Arabia, adding that the team's next goal is to "fight for victory with all the strengths, strive to win the championship and continue making history."

"We are getting better and better. As long as we do well in duels, transitions and work hard, we can win the title," he said.