The AFC Women’s Asian Cup semifinals were played on TUE 17 APR 2018, with one of the favoured teams needing a stoppage time equaliser and a penalty shootout to advance.

• Australia 02-02 Thailand [F/OT; pen: 03-01]: Despite resting several star players, the Matildas seemed to have matters in hand early on, taking the lead on a 17th minute own goal. But moments later, Thailand found an equaliser from Kanjana SUNG-NGEON’s shot that slipped through the hands of Australian goalkeeper Mackenzie ARNOLD. The Thais took the lead on a strike by Thongsombut RATTIKAN midway through the second half, but after losing Wilaiporn BOOTHDUANG to a second yellow, Thailand conceded the equaliser to a header by Alanna KENNEDY in stoppage time. With no goals in the extra time, the match went to penalties, and three consecutive saves from Arnold put the Matildas into the final.
• China PR 01-03 Japan: Mana IWABUCHI put the Nadeshiko in front late in the first half, and two late goals from Kumi YOKOYAMA, including one from the spot, sent Japan on to the final. For the second consecutive time, Japan and Australia will play for the Women’s Asian Cup, this time coming after the teams played to a 1-1 draw in Group B. China PR and Thailand play for third, after their earlier Group A encounter ended 4-0 to the Chinese. Both matches will be played in Amman on Friday.