Japan, among the favourites to emerge champions at the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™, took the lead through Kuryu Matsuki in the 11th minute, with Maximiliano Araujo equalising in the 42nd minute.

Despite dominating possession after the break, Japan had to wait till the second minute of added time to net their second through Kento Shiogai and Ayase Ueda confirmed the victory with his strike four minutes later.

Korea Republic came alive after the break to defeat Ecuador 3-0.

Oh Hyeon-gyu opened the scoring in the 54th minute with Son Heung-min doubling their advantage shortly after.

Lee Dong-gyeong struck the third in the 86th minute.

China PR also enjoyed a 3-0 win against the Maldives, with Wang Ziming netting in the 50th, 53rd and 63rd minutes.

Palestine came from behind twice to force a 2-2 draw with New Zealand, who took the lead through Ben Waine's fifth minute strike. Assad Al Hamlawi equalised in the 27th minute but Jesse Randall restored New Zealand's lead in the 35th minute.

Palestine, however, trailed for only four minutes with Oday Dabbagh restoring parity.

In Fergana, Eldor Shomurodov struck twice as Uzbekistan secured an impressive 3-1 win over Islamic Republic of Iran at the Istiglol Stadium.

 

Shomurodov opened the scoring in the 10th minute before Iran drew level through Jakhongir Urozov’s own goal four minutes after the restart.

 

The Uzbekistan captain restored his side’s advantage from the penalty spot in the 58th minute, with Khusain Norchaev adding the third in stoppage time to seal the victory.