Manchester City set up a meeting with Sunderland in the final of the Barclays Asia Trophy with a 1-0 victory over South China.
The Premier League outfit controlled the possession during the early parts of the encounter in Hong Kong, but they struggled to create any clear-cut opportunities.
However, with what was their first meaningful attempt in the 21st minute, City went in front. England international James Milner was the supplier, sending over a cross from the right for Edin Dzeko, who headed the ball into the net from close range.
Manuel Pellegrini's side almost took a two-goal advantage into the break, but Pablo Zabaleta's deflected cross looped onto the crossbar before bouncing clear of danger.
The Chilean coach introduced the recently signed Alvaro Negredo into the action after the restart and he almost claimed an assist with 16 minutes remaining when his lofted pass picked out Dzeko. The Bosnian took the ball in his stride, but his shot from eight yards out was blocked by South China goalkeeper Zheng Cheng.
City will now face Sunderland on Saturday afternoon, while South China will take on Tottenham Hotspur in the third-place playoff on the same day.
Liam Apicella
