Uzbekistan 0 – 3 China PR
By Callum Logie 6/3/25
Above: Zhang Xin (left) competes for possession with Umida Zoirova. Photo: AFC Asia Cup
China PR made it two wins in a row as they secured their place in the knockout stages of the AFC Asia Cup at Western Sydney Stadium in Parramatta. A brace from Li Qingtong and a goal from Shao Ziqin gave China a solid 3-0 win over a resolute Uzbekistan side.
China PR will meet Korea DPR in a showdown for first place in group B after a complete performance against Uzbekistan.
China PR rotated their side significantly making nine changes. They were looking to be fresh heading into the knockout stages provided they got the result here. Uzbekistan were looking to cause an upset and shake up the standings of Group B.
In attack, Uzbekistan implemented more of a 4-5-1 formation with one of the centre-backs roaming into a midfield position. On the other side, China PR’s wing players often pushed forward in the attack, looking to overwhelm the Uzbekistan defence.
Toward the 15th minute, China forced a save out of Maftuna Jonimqulova as a quick attacking move from China had Wang Yanwen play Zhang Linyan in. Zhang’s shot was batted away by the Uzbekistan keeper, but the momentum was very much with the reigning champions.
Shao had a snapshot at the edge of the box as Uzbekistan defended resolutely. The shot was deflected wide as there were often at least eight players between the attackers and the ball at any given time.
China were awarded a penalty in the 28thminute, after a shirt pull from Kholida Dadaboeva brought Shao down. After a check with VAR, China PR were rewarded the penalty which was converted powerfully into the bottom left corner by Shao herself.
The prolific forward had scored her first in the AFC Asia Cup and her ninth in 10 caps with the national side. The 23 year-old has had a great start to her international career and would be looking to continue her good form moving forward in the tournament.
Shao nearly doubled her tally late in the first half as a clever short cross from Chen Qiaozhu found her first-time in the middle of the box. Jonimqulova reacted spectacularly and was able to deflect the ball behind for a corner, keeping the deficit to just one heading into half-time.
Jonimqulova made another save as a tame clearance found Zhang Linyan on the half-volley, driving low toward the bottom corner. Jonimqulova was able to hold onto that effort.
Just a minute later, Shao had yet another chance from about 12 yards out. She got too far under the ball and drove it high after a good sequence of play for the Uzbekistan goalkeeper.
After a defensive scramble from Uzbekistan, China PR were able to double their advantage. Jonimqulova and Maftuna Shoyimova collided in the box which left the goal open for Li Qingtong who converted clinically.
Jonimqulova stopped a sensational effort a few minutes later as Li Mengwen tried a shot from around 25 yards out. China PR were looking to get as many goals as possible to compete with Korea DPR at the top of the table in Group B.
China PR were able to take a deserved 3-goal lead after a clever corner routine saw Zhang Xin loop a great cross into the box and find Li Qingtong for her second goal of the game, a 7-yard header.
China PR’s win was supplemented by a very positive crowd, keeping up the energy and very supportive of the team who put together an excellent performance, particularly in the second half.
Teams: UZBEKISTAN (5-4-1): Jonimqulova, Khikmatova, Dadaboeva, Asadova, Kudratova, Ablyakimova, Karachik, Shoyimova, Zoirova, Mamatkarimova, Khabibullaeva. Substitutes: Gulomova, Saidova, Tosheva, Tilovova, Zaripova, Oraniyazova, Kuchkorova, Usarova, Khusniddinova, Turdiboeva, Amirova, Aminjonova, Bakhtiyarova, Nozimova, Valikhanova.
CHINA PR (4-4-2): C. Chen, Q. Chen, L. Wang, X. Zhang, M. Li, C. Wu, Q. Li, L. Zhang, Yanwen Wang, Shao. Substitutes: Zhu, Peng, Ying Wang, H. Wu, A. Wang, Liu, Xie, Lu, R. Zhang, S. Wang, Wurigumula, Jin, Tang, C. Zhang, Yuan.
Goals: Shao 30′, Q. Li 52′, 77′.
Referee: Supiree Testhomya (Thailand)
Attendance: 8,322.
Follow Impetus on social media:
@ImpetusFootball on Threads, Instagram and TikTok.
impetusfootball.org 