rki.news | Sources ABS-CBN
NAGOYA, Sept. 15 — Uzbekistan opened its Asian Games men’s football campaign with a convincing 5-1 victory over the Philippines on Tuesday, ending the Philippines’ 52-year wait to return to the competition with a defeat.
Uzbekistan dominated the match and quickly established control, scoring five goals against the Philippines Under-23 side.
The result marked a difficult return for the Philippines, which had not competed in the men’s football tournament at the Asian Games for more than five decades.
The Philippines entered the competition seeking a strong start after earning its place in the Asian Games football tournament. However, Uzbekistan proved too strong and secured a comfortable opening victory.
The Asian Games football tournament is being held in Japan ahead of the official opening of the 20th Asian Games on Saturday.
The Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games will bring together athletes from across Asia in 43 sports, with football among the competitions already underway.
Uzbekistan’s emphatic victory gives the team an early boost in its campaign, while the Philippines will look to recover in its remaining group matches.
Uzbekistan Crush Philippines in Asian Games Football Opener
