HO CHI MINH CITY - Defender Azusa Iwashimizu headed home from a corner kick from captain Aya Miyama in the dying seconds of extra time as Japan beat China 2-1 to reach the final at the AFC Women's Asian Cup here on Thursday.

The reigning World Cup champions, who are seeking their first Asian title, will face on Sunday the winner of the other seminal match between South Korea and Australia.

Homare Sawa put Japan 1-0 ahead with a header six minutes into the second half on another perfectly placed corner kick from Miyama.

China drew level on a penalty kick through Li Dongna in the 78th minute.