PH men’s football team bows to Uzbekistan

(PFF)

Philippine football took a big blow after its men’s U23 team absorbed a 1-5 loss to Uzbekistan in the 20th Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026 at the CS Asset Minato Soccer Stadium Tuesday, Sept. 15.

Seeking Asiad glory alongside the Filipinas on Japanese soil, the Nationals stood their ground against a gritty Uzbek side which immediately bared its fangs with a 30th minute goal by Muhammadali Urinboev.

Frustrations grew early as Gavin Muens was called for a red card in the 48th minute before Uzbekistan capitalized on the Filipino booters’ errors with back-to-back goals by Saidumarkhon Saidnurullayev at 60th and 71st minute.

The lone goal from the Philippines came from Martin Merino’s conversion at 62nd.

Ruziboy Fayzullaev scored the fourth goal, while Mukhammedali Reimov delivered the killing blow by the Uzbeks en route to the hearts of a bewildered Filipino crew.

The Carles Cuadrat-guided team takes a two-day break before it guns for a bounce back win against Vietnam in their Group C showdown at the same venue.

Meanwhile, the Filipinas eye a breakthrough victory when they challenge Hong Kong on Thursday, Sept. 17, at the Gifu Nagaragawa Stadium. — Mark Rey Montejo