Reigning champions Japan set up an AFC Asian Women's Cup title showdown with Australia thanks to a 3-1 win over China in an entertaining last four encounter at the Amman International Stadium on Tuesday.

Mana Iwabuchi's early strike and Kumi Yokoyama's second half brace proved the difference as the Japanese booked a fifth final appearance to keep alive their hopes of successive continental crowns with a hard-fought victory that further underlined the glowing reputation of Asako Takakura's talented team.

The defeat, meanwhile, sees China consigned to a play-off for third place with Thailand following a string of group stage performances that had often hinted at greater things from head coach Siggi Eyjolsson's charges.

Having watched the Matildas overcome the impressive Thais on penalties in the day's earlier semi-final, Group B runners-up Japan were the first to threaten when Rumi Utsugi's angled shot was expertly gathered by China goalkeeper Peng Shimeng on seven minutes.

Eight-time champions China, who finished top of Group A, were quick to respond however, influential midfielder Ren Guixin somehow miscuing her shot from close-range following a pinpoint Li Danyang corner.

With little to choose between the regional rivals, Japan eventually found the breakthrough in the 39th minute as striker Iwabuchi turned cleverly on the edge of the area before unleashing a powerful shot which flew past the diving Peng. 

In the dying embers of an intriguing first half, Rika Masuya came close to extending her side's lead with a drilled effort from 12 yards that flashed narrowly over the bar.

To their credit, China rallied after the break, and came close to restoring parity through Song Duan's fierce drive which fizzed just inches wide of the post within four minutes of the restart. 

Japan were matching their opponents all the way though, and could have added to their tally had Yui Hasegawa found the target when well-placed shortly after the hour mark following neat approach play from Iwabuchi. 

Try as they may, China duly struggled to find a way past a resolute and compact Japan defence, and with the clock ticking down substitute Yokoyama added a degree of gloss to the scoreline with a sumptuous shot and a well struck penalty after Wang Shanshan had handled in the area.

Li Ying's subsequent last gasp spot kick proved to be a mere consolation for China, as Japan held on to claim their place in Friday's final.

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