Australia knocked out of the AFC U16 Championships and running for 2014 FIFA U17 World Cup | Credit: Craig Stockdale Australia knocked out of the AFC U16 Championships and running for 2014 FIFA U17 World Cup | Credit: Craig Stockdale

Australia has been knocked out of the AFC U-16 Women’s Championships after a 2-0 defeat to hosts at the Jiangning Sports Centre, Nanjing.

The loss also ended the U17WNT chances of qualifying for the 2014 FIFA U17 Women's World Cup.

“It’s disappointing to lose because the opponents punished us in our mistakes early on," said Australian coach Belinda Wilson.

“We tried to march at their territory in the second half but the Chinese team are organised side.”

Australia started the match positively against the hosts as they held possession and created early half chances. However, defensive lapses on the half hour were to prove costly as Cui Yuhan and Fan Yuqiu scored two quick goals in under five minutes.

Down 2-0 at the break, Australia came out with purpose in the second half and despite chances, including Sunny Franco hitting the side netting, they were unable to break down a resolute Chinese defence.

"To win this kind of matches with strong opponents, we need to improve our skills, tactics and we need to have a bit of experience.”

Australia    0

China           2 (Yuhan 31', Yuqiu 35')

Australia Starting XI: Teagan Micah, Chloe O'Brien, Brooke Goodrich, Siena Senatore, Sophie Nenadovic, Ayesha Kirby, Isobel Dalton, Sunny Franco, Angela Beard, Elena Fakos, Alex Chidiac