AFC Asian Cup 2019: China Thrashes Kyrgyzstan 2-1 In The Group C Opener

China bounced back to defeat Kyrgyzstan 2-1 in the 2019 AFC Asian Cup Group C opener at the Sheikh Khalifa International Stadium on Monday.

AFC Asian Cup 2019: China bounced back to defeat Kyrgyzstan 2-1 in the 2019 AFC Asian Cup Group C opener at the Sheikh Khalifa International Stadium on Monday.

China leads the Group C standings with three points, pending the result of the match pitting South Korea against the Philippines later in the day. Meanwhile, Kyrgyzstan, who qualified for the Asian Cup for the first time in its history, is in the last place with no points.

Kyrgyzstani midfielder Akhlidin Israilov opened the scoring for his side three minutes before the first half stoppage time with a left-footed shot at the edge of the area off an assist by teammate Mirlan Murzaev, following a throw-in.

FULL TIME | CHN 2 – 1 KGZ

Despite conceding first Team Dragon comes from behind to clinch their first three points of their #AsianCup2019 journey. pic.twitter.com/D2NqNRwy2S

— #AsianCup2019 (@afcasiancup) January 7, 2019

Just five minutes after the break, China has rewarded the equalizer on an own goal by Kyrgyzstan goalkeeper Pavel Matiash, who failed to clear away a volley header following a corner kick.

Midfielder Yu Dabao netted China’s winner in the 78th minute from a difficult angle on the left to the bottom right corner of the goal, dribbling past Matiash after a headed pass by teammate Wu Xi.

China to face Philippines in their next Group stage match on Friday.

(With IANS Inputs)