Facing Australia in their second group fixture, the Chinese side displayed determined teamwork throughout. In the 43rd minute, Peng Xiao broke the deadlock with a powerful strike from inside the penalty area after a set piece. After the break, goalkeeper Li Hao came up with vital saves to keep Australia from leveling the score. In second-half stoppage time, Australia thought they had equalized, but the goal was disallowed after a VAR review showed the ball went into the net off Australian player Giuseppe Bovalina's hand.

When the referee blew the final whistle, China had held on to claim a 1-0 win. With four points from one win and one draw, China currently sits at the top of their group standings.

The young Chinese team will next face Thailand U-23 in their final group match on January 14.