Reigning AFC U-19 Championship winners Saudi Arabia were defeated 2-0 by France while Korea Republic were edged 1-0 by two-time FIFA U-20 World Cup champions Portugal.

The Flying Eagles, runners-up to a Joao Pinto-propelled Portugal in 1989 and a Lionel Messi-inspired Argentina in 2005, soared 2-0 up inside 25 minutes – and both goals were indebted to their left-back.

Ikouwem Utin duped his marker and unleashed a swerving shot, which Shehab Mamdouh could only push into the path of Maxwell Effiom, whose first-time volley broke the deadlock in the 12th minute.

The Nigeria No 3 then somehow sprung four challenges down the left and cut the ball back to present Okechukwa Offia with a comfortable finish from close range in the 24th minute.

Ecuador took the lead right before half-time, albeit rather fortuitously. From a free-kick, Japan goalkeeper Tomoya Wakahara punched his clearance directly into teammate Kyosuke Tagawa's face and the ball ricocheted into the goal.

Two of the three Asian expressions of interest could see the 2021 edition co-hosted as Bahrain Football Association, Saudi Arabian Football Federation and United Arab Emirates Football Association have indicated theirs will be a joint bid.

The Myanmar Football Federation and Football Association of Thailand are also keen on co-hosting the 2021 edition while Indonesia also expressed their intention to bid before the May 21 closing date.

The Brazilian Football Association and Peruvian Football Association submitted individual expressions of interest.