China finishes runner-up in AFC U23 Asian Cup

The defending champion had taken the initiative in the opening minutes and forced a couple of corners, while at the other end China also had a chance as Xiang Yuwang failed to make the most of a long ball with his header too weak to surprise Japan's goalkeeper Rui Araki.

China conceded its first goal of the tournament when Ozeki's strike took a deflection off defender Peng Xiao to go beyond a helpless goalie Li Hao 12 minutes into the match.

Ogura won back possession out of the box as the midfielder took a few touches before unleashing a rocket into the bottom corner eight minutes later.

Sato converted a penalty around the hour mark to make it 3-0 before a poor clearance went for Ogura whose first-time attempt took another deflection into the net.

China had a goal denied in the 68th minute when Yang Xi was alert to poke in from a follow-up, but it was disallowed for offside.

On Friday, Vietnam claimed the bronze by conquering South Korea 7-6 on penalties after the two sides played out 2-2 in 120 minutes.