China edged out defending champions Japan 1-0 to enter the semi-finals of the AFC Women's Under-19 Championship in Suzhou, South China.

China ermeged victorious with a penalty in injury-time at the end of the first half, avenging for their penalty shootout loss tothe Japanese in Goa, India in 2002.

The hosts set up a semi-final clash Friday against the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, who have been impressive intheir run to the last four, scoring 46 goals in four games including a 10-0 rout of India in their quarter-final in Wuxi.

South Korea, who beat China 2-1 in their opening match of the tournament, continued their winning run with a 5-1 thumping of Vietnam in Suzhou for their fourth victory in a row.

Meanwhile, Thailand beat 2002 runners-up Chinese Taipei 3-0 in the remaining quarter-final to set up a semi-final meeting with South Korea.

The tournament culminates in the final on June 6 in Suzhou with the top two teams joining hosts Thailand and nine other teams in the FIFA U-19 Women's World Championship from November 10-27.

Source: Xinhua