Chinese U23 players lift goalkeeper Li Hao into the air in celebration after their win over Uzbekistan at the U23 Asian Cup quarterfinals on January 17, 2026, in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Photo: VCG

The Chinese U23 football team advanced to the semifinals of the AFC U23 Asian Cup on Saturday after defeating Uzbekistan 4-2 by penalty shootout, marking the first time China has reached the last four of the continental tournament.

Chinese goalkeeper Li Hao kept the goal intact despite facing nearly 30 shots from the Uzbek side after extra time at the Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal Sports City Stadium in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Chinese players and officials pose with the national flag after reaching the U23 Asian Cup semifinals on January 17, 2026. Photo: VCG

Chinese fans flooded social media to hail the solid performance of 21-year-old Li, who previously had a stint with the reserve team of Spanish club Atletico Madrid before making regular appearances in the Chinese Super League for Qingdao West Coast last season.

The Chinese U23 team entered the contest as underdogs against Uzbekistan, one of Asia's football powerhouses. The Uzbek team topped the group with a strong attacking performance scoring five goals. In contrast, the Chinese team managed only one. 

However, the Chinese players demonstrated tactical discipline under head coach Antonio Puche, highlighted by keeping a clean sheet in the group stage. 

In China's previous five appearances at the U23 Asian Cup, its teams were eliminated at the group stage. By contrast, Uzbekistan reached the final three times in last four editions. 

After years of underachieving in men's football, the U23 team's breakthrough suggests that the focus on cultivating domestic youth talents is starting to yield results. 

China will face Vietnam in the semifinals on Tuesday after Vietnam defeated the United Arab Emirates 3-2 earlier on Saturday.