Wang Shuang’s second-half penalty saw 10-player China stage a remarkable comeback to beat Haiti 1-0 in Adelaide.
China were reduced to ten when Zhang Rui was sent off for a dangerous challenge in the first half, but Haiti were unable to capitalise on their player advantage.
The result means the Steel Roses’ World Cup hopes are still alive ahead of their final match against England on Tuesday.
China started well and maintained possession in the opening stages, with Li Mengwen coming down the right flank to find Lou Jiahui in the box but the forward’s acrobatic shot just whistled past the post.
They nearly capitalised on a poor back pass but Kerly Theus was able to clear, but a strong start came crashing down when China were reduced to 10 players in the 28th minute after Zhang was sent off, following a VAR consultation, for a reckless knee-high challenge on Sherly Jeudy.
Haiti then thought they had the breakthrough three minutes before the break, but Nerilia Mondesir’s low effort ruled out for offside.
They had a great chance in the 52nd minute when Melchie Dumornay smashed a loose ball in the box, forcing goalkeeper Zhu Yu into a fantastic save from point-blank range.
Despite the opportunities for Haiti, China took the lead in the 74th minute when Zhang Linyan was brought down in the box and, after a VAR stoppage for a potential offside, they were awarded a penalty, which Wang tucked away in the bottom corner.
China had another penalty appeal dismissed just minutes later before Zhang’s header flashed over the bar as they looked to wrap up the match.
More drama followed in stoppage time when Roseline Eloissaint was fouled in the box, but the referee overturned her penalty decision following a VAR consultation and Mondesir missed a great opportunity, firing wide.
Haiti then had a penalty call waved away in the final seconds when Dumornay went down and China were able to see the game out.
