Asian Games
China PR, Thailand and Islamic Republic of Iran also picked up wins as competition to the knockout stage intensified.
Group A: Thailand 3-2 Kyrgyz Republic
Thailand fought back from two goals down to disappoint Kyrgyz Republic in a five-goal thriller at Toyota Stadium.
Thailand fought back from two goals down to disappoint Kyrgyz Republic in a five-goal thriller at Toyota Stadium.
Kyrgyz Republic went ahead in the 22nd minute through Kuduret Iskandarabekov before Aitenir Balbakov made it 2-0 two minutes into the second half.
Thailand, however, turned the match around with Jehhanafee Mamah reducing the deficit in the 55th minute. Paripan Wongsa then took over the show with a brace in the 69th and 73rd minutes to snatch the points for Thailand.
Group A: Japan 2-0 Hong Kong, China
Japan emerged winners in their opening match but not without lessons to learn with Hong Kong, China in defiant mood.
Go Oiwa’s side controlled proceedings but had to wait until the 39th minute to take the lead through Hisatsugu Ishii.
In total, Japan produced 23 attempts but were only able to make sure of the win when Shuto Nagano scored in the 89th minute.
Group B: UAE 1-3 IR Iran
After a goalless first half, Iran opened the scoring in the 49th minute with Pourya Shahrabadi finding the back of the net.
Junior Ndiaye’s own goal increased Iran’s advantage three minutes later before UAE pulled a goal back via Mackenzie Hunt in the 57th minute.
UAE’s comeback, however, did not materialised with Yousef Mazraeh putting the result beyond doubt with his 88th minute goal.
Group B: China PR 2-1 DPR Korea
China PR showed tremendous resilience as they fought back from going behind to take maximum points against DPR Korea.
After a slow start to the match, DPR Korea broke the deadlock with Choe Kuk netting in the 27th minute but experienced forward Zhang Yuning equalised in the 44th minute to take the tie into the break on level terms.
The end-to-end match was eventually settled in the 68th minute as Wu Xi’s goal ensured 1994 silver medalist China PR took the win.
Photos: AFP
Related News
- Asian Games
AG(M): Uzbekistan, Korea Republic make flying starts
- Asian Games
AG (W): Heavyweights lead the way
- AFC Champions League Elite
MD1: Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors FC (KOR) 2-1 Kashiwa Reysol (JPN)
- AFC Champions League Two
Group E: FC Seoul (KOR) 0-1 Persib Bandung (INA)
- AFC Champions League Elite
Ivic: Victory a morale booster for Al Ain
Item 1 of 5