Korea DPR boosted their chances of a third AFC Women's Asian Cup title with a narrow 1-0 win over defending champions China on Sunday. Midfielder Ri Un-Gyong scored the only goal on 34 minutes as the Koreans headed into the semi-finals with a maximum nine points and no goals conceded.

Both North Korea and China had already qualified for the last four in the regional showpiece by winning their first two matches in Group A. In Sunday's other match, hosts Vietnam beat Thailand 1-0 to finish third. North Korea, who won the competition in 2001 and 2003, will now avoid the winners of Group B, currently topped by Australia, in this week's semis.

China are chasing a ninth Asian title before heading home for the Beijing Olympics in August. The team have been in disarray with French coach Elisabeth Loisel sacked in March after just five months in the job.

On Monday, Australia start as favourites against Japan, while Korea Republic face Taiwan, who have already shipped 15 goals in two matches.

The semi-finals are on June 5 with the final three days later.