Sam Kerr scores winner as Australia beat China 2-1 in Perth to reach the Women’s Asian Cup final, where they face Japan or South Korea

Sam Kerr scored a decisive second-half goal to send Australia women’s national football team into the final of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over China women’s national football team on Tuesday.

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Kerr struck from a tight angle in the 58th minute, marking her fourth goal of the tournament in a tense semi-final played before 35,170 fans in Perth.

Australia will now face either Japan women’s national football team or South Korea women’s national football team in Saturday’s final in Sydney.

The match began at a high tempo, with Caitlin Foord giving the hosts the lead in the 17th minute.

China responded quickly as Zhang Linyan converted a penalty to level the score.

Despite enjoying periods of dominance and registering more shots, China struggled to break down the Australian defence.

Kerr ultimately proved the difference, calmly beating goalkeeper Peng Shimeng to restore the lead.

China’s hopes of securing a record-extending 10th title ended in disappointment, with missed chances proving costly.

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Australia, who last won the tournament in 2010, remain on course to claim a second continental crown.