Sherzat Nur (L) of China competes against Kuryu Matsuki of Japan during the AFC U20 Asian Cup Group D match between Japan and China in Tashkent, Uzbekistan on March 3, 2023. (Photo by Che Zhouyong/Xinhua)
TASHKENT, March 3 (Xinhua) -- Despite an early lead, China lost to Japan 2-1 with Naoki Kumata's brace in four minutes in their AFC U20 Asian Cup Group D opener in Tashkent, Uzbekistan here on Friday.
China broke the deadlock just six minutes into the game at JAR Stadium, when center back Liu Haofan headed home from a corner by Afrden Asqer, which later turned out to be an own goal by Hayato Tanaka.
Japan kept pressing high and forced multiple saves from the Chinese goalkeeper Li Hao but didn't level the score until the 66th minute, when Kumata headed in the equalizer.
Kumata took advantage of a loose ball and added another just four minutes later after Chinese defenders failed to clear the ball from close range.
Kuryu Matsuki almost made it three for Japan from the spot after Kumata was brought down by Li Suda inside the box, but the penalty was denied by Li Hao just minutes from time.
China will face Saudi Arabia at Bunyodkor Stadium on Monday, while Japan play Kyrgyzstan on the same day. ■
Behram Abduweli (L) of China competes against Kuryu Matsuki of Japan during the AFC U20 Asian Cup Group D match between Japan and China in Tashkent, Uzbekistan on March 3, 2023. (Photo by Che Zhouyong/Xinhua)
Antonio Puche Vicente (R), head coach of Chinese men's U20 national football team, gestures during the AFC U20 Asian Cup Group D match between Japan and China in Tashkent, Uzbekistan on March 3, 2023. (Photo by Che Zhouyong/Xinhua)
Behram Abduweli (L) of China competes during the AFC U20 Asian Cup Group D match between Japan and China in Tashkent, Uzbekistan on March 3, 2023. (Photo by Che Zhouyong/Xinhua)
Behram Abduweli (L) of China competes against Hayate Matsuda of Japan during the AFC U20 Asian Cup Group D match between Japan and China in Tashkent, Uzbekistan on March 3, 2023. (Photo by Che Zhouyong/Xinhua)
Behram Abduweli (L) of China competes against Hayate Matsuda of Japan during the AFC U20 Asian Cup Group D match between Japan and China in Tashkent, Uzbekistan on March 3, 2023. (Photo by Che Zhouyong/Xinhua)
