The Philippine Men’s Under-23 National Football Team opened its campaign in the 20th Asian Games in dismal fashion, suffering a comprehensive 5-1 defeat to Uzbekistan on Tuesday at the CS Asset Minato Soccer Stadium in Nagoya.
Muhammadali Urinboev’s 29th-minute header set the tone for the Philippines’ long afternoon. Things then got worse for Garrath McPherson’s side when Gavin Muens was sent off in the 48th minute for dragging down Ollabergan Karimov after miskicking the ball.
Saidumarkhon Saidnurullaev doubled Uzbekistan’s lead in the 60th minute with a swift counterattack, just seconds after Philippines midfielder John Lucero hit the crossbar.
The Philippines appeared to catch a break two minutes later when University of the Philippines defender Josh Meriño pulled a goal back in the 62nd minute, accidentally deflecting Ruziboy Fayzullaev’s clearance into his own net.
However, Uzbekistan quickly regained control and scored three more goals to put the game beyond doubt.
Saidnurullaev completed his brace with a tap-in in the 71st minute, before Fayzullaev made up for his earlier miscue with an outstanding long-range strike two minutes later to make it 4-1.
Mukhammedali Reimov then completed the rout in the 79th minute, capitalizing on a defensive error by Meriño to fire home with his left foot.
The result makes Uzbekistan the first team to claim three points in Group C, with Vietnam and Kuwait set to face off later Tuesday afternoon.
The Philippines will return to action on Friday against Southeast Asian neighbor Vietnam at 2:30 PM (Manila time), while Uzbekistan takes on Kuwait at 6:00 PM. Both matches will take place at the CS Asset Minato Soccer Stadium.
