AFC U23 Asian Cup - Li proud to have played his part for China PR

Jeddah: Li Hao produced another eye-catching performance as China PR reached the semi-finals of the AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™with a penalty shoot-out success against Uzbekistan on Saturday.

The 21-year-old goalkeeper kept a fourth successive clean sheet as China PR added another chapter to their AFC U23 Asian Cup history, having never advanced past the group stage in their previous five appearances.

They had Li to thank as the custodian pulled off numerous saves to keep the marauding Uzbekistan at bay, and repeated his heroics in the penalty shoot-out which his side won 4-2.

“I’m just trying to savour the moment,” said Li. “I’m very very happy. We came into the match determined to win and we did it.

“We were all tired heading into penalties. At that point, I didn’t even have enough strength to take kicks but luckily, I still had enough to make saves.”

#AFCU23 | Quarter-finals: Uzbekistan 0 (2)-(4) 0 China PR

The custodian had to go full stretch to deny long range strikes from Asilbek Jumaev and Sardorbek Bakhromov in the first half, with the 1.87m shot-stopper making a total of nine saves in the match.

It was the ninth and final save which will be most remembered as he judged correctly to save Dilshod Abdullaev’s penalty and confirm a semi-final against Vietnam.

“We did our preparation for everything and yes, I had notes on the players. I told him (Abdullaev) that I knew where he was going to shoot but he didn’t believe me.

“We will enjoy the moment but then we have to start thinking and preparing for the next match.”

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