CHON BURI, Thailand - In the AFC U-17 Asian Cup, China narrowly missed an impressive comeback on Monday, falling to Australia 5-3.

China lagged behind 4-1 before the 25th minute, despite goalie Xie Gongbo deflecting an Aussie penalty and a goal by striker Wang Yudong, who bypassed a defender to slot the ball into the net.

The match seemed to slip further away from the Chinese team when Australia was awarded another penalty in the 39th minute. However, Xie came up big once more, stopping the ball before it crossed the goal line.

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Just before halftime, Kuai Jiwen fired a shot from outside the box, bringing China to within two goals.

In the second half, China's performance picked up. Wang worked a give-and-go with teammate Mei Shuaijun inside the penalty area, lobbing the ball over the Australian goalkeeper for his second goal of the match.

China kept pushing for the equalizer, but Australia sealed the match with their fifth goal.

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Australia will face Tajikistan in their final group match on Thursday, while China takes on Saudi Arabia.