China's U-19 soccer team outplayed hosts South Africa 3-1 in the final of the Sasol Nations Cup yesterday to win the title with a 3wins-and-2draws aggregate.

Midfielder Yu Hai's header on a cross from Cui Peng in the 26th minute pushed China to lead 1-0. But only five minutes later, South Africa's Richard Rantjie flicked a goal in the penalty area to tie the game at 1-1 at half-time.

The second half saw a more defensive game for China, until Zhang Wenzhao sank China's second goal in the 80th minute. China stripped the ball in the backfield, Zhang Wenzhao passed it to the inside and Yang Xu scored the decisive goal for China, holding a 3-1 cushion with four minutes to go.

South Africa had a chance to close the gap but Gift Leremi missed his penalty in injury-time.