Goals from Yang Xu and Zhang Linpeng saw China end their Asian Cup qualifying campaign with victory over Vietnam.

Yang Xu gave the hosts the lead after 34 minutes and Zhang extended it two minutes before half-time.

Le Cong Vinh reduced arrears from the spot for Vietnam, who saw Nguyen Viet Thang sent off in the 56th minute, but they could not conjure an equaliser.

Having already qualified for next year's finals in Qatar, China coach Gao Hongbo opted to field a number of youngsters and it was Vietnam who started the livelier as Phan Than Hung tested keeper Yang Zhi.

But the visitors took the lead when Rong Hao knocked Zhang's long ball into the path of Yu Hai. His initial effort was well saved by Bui Quang Huy but Yang Xu was on hand to convert the rebound.

China went further ahead in the 43rd minute when Zhang met Yu's cross form the left with a fine volley that beat Quang Huy at the far post.

It went from bad to worse for Vietnam when Viet Thang saw red 11 minutes into the second half for an elbow on Zhao Peng, but they pulled a goal back in the 73rd minute when Pham Thanh Luong was felled by Zhao in the box.

Cong Vinh saw his first attempt hit the post but the referee spotted Yang Hao encroaching and ordered a re-take, which the striker despatched low and hard into the back of the net.

Cong Vinh then had a chance to snatch a point right at the death but was denied by Yang Zhi as China held on.