China's Li Qingtong celebrates after completing a brace against Uzbekistan in the AFC Women's Asian Cup in Sydney, Australia, March 6, 2026. /VCG

Li Qingtong's brace sealed a routine 3-0 victory as China brushed aside Uzbekistan on Friday to clinch a place in the quarterfinals of the 2026 AFC Women's Asian Cup.

China dominated from start to finish while Uzbekistan had zero attempts on target. The scoring was opened in the 30th minute when Shao Ziqin won and calmly converted a penalty.

Li then punished a sloppy clearance with a lofted finish from the edge of the area in the 51st. The victory was wrapped up in the 77th minute after Zhang Xin delivered a measured cross from the right and Li rose highest to head home.

Earlier on Friday, DPRK dismantled Bangladesh 5-0, a result that left China second in Group B on goal difference. The two teams will meet on Monday to decide the top spot.

Source: CGTN