Uzbekistan U-23 National Team Lost to China in Bronze Medal Match of Asian Games 2026

The Uzbekistan U-23 football team was defeated by Japan in the Asian Games semi-final. Although the main and extra time ended with a score of 1:1, the Japanese team won in a penalty shootout with a score of 9:8.

Uzbekistan managed to take the lead in the eighth minute of the match thanks to a goal by Sardorbek Bahromov, who scored after a cross from Saidkhon Hamidov.

In the first half, the Uzbek team dominated, controlling the ball for 57% of the time and making six shots against one for their opponent. Furthermore, three Uzbek shots hit the target, while Japan failed to score a single goal before halftime. The corner kick count was equal at 2:2.

After the break, the situation changed: in the second half, the initiative completely shifted to the Japanese. They controlled the ball for 77% of the time, taking 11 shots against two for Uzbekistan, and hitting the target four times. Both of Uzbekistan's shots in this half also went into the net. Japan's advantage in corners reached 4:0.

Despite this, the Uzbek team managed to maintain the lead longer. In the eighty-eighth minute, Sena Ishibashi equalized, utilizing a pass from Kosugi, making the score 1:1.

During the thirty minutes of extra time, neither team could score goals. In the extra time, Japan continued to demonstrate higher ball control and take more shots, but the decisive factor was the penalty shootout.

As a result of the tense series of kicks from the 11-meter mark, Japan won with a score of 9:8 and advanced to the Asian Games final. In the final, Japan will face South Korea, and Uzbekistan will play for the bronze medal against China.

The Uzbekistan U-23 national team failed to reach the final of the Asian Games after losing to Japan in the semi-final, which ended in a penalty shootout.

Uzbekistan opened the scoring in the eighth minute of the match. Sardorbek Bahramov received a pass from the left flank and sent the ball into the Japanese goal.

Japan equalized in the 88th minute thanks to a goal by Sena Ishibashi. The main part of the match ended with a score of 1:1, and neither team could change the result during extra time.

Ultimately, Japan won the penalty shootout 9:8.

In another semi-final, South Korea defeated China 2:1 and advanced to the Asian Games final.

Thus, Uzbekistan will face China in the bronze medal match. The final and the bronze medal match are scheduled for October 3rd.