AFC U-16 Championship: Uzbekistan 5-3 Thailand

Jinnawat Russamee opened the scoring with only two minutes on the clock before Abubakir Muyidnov and Rasul Yuldoshov replied from the penalty spot to put Uzbekistan 2-1 up at the break.

An own-goal from Wudtichai Kumkeam extended the Uzbek lead before the hour-mark but Arnon Prasongporn reduced the deficit immediately after. With the scoreline at 3-2, the game was set for a tense finish until first Mardon Abdullaev struck on 82 minutes and then Yuldoshov completed his brace seven minutes later.

Arnon did get his second in stoppage time but it was Uzbekistan who joined DPR Korea at the top of the Group D table after the East Asians earlier defeated Yemen 2-0 at GMC Stadium.

Despite starting the match with three suspended players, Thailand began proceedings in explosive fashion as they took the lead after just two minutes.

Songwut Kraikruan's long pass up-field made its way to the onrushing Jinnawat after a slip by defender Islom Karimov and the Thailand striker finished coolly past Abduvakhid Nematov.

Uzbekistan had a chance to draw level on the quarter-hour mark, but goalkeeper Wutthipong Thiangthae dived to his right to save Asadbek Sobirjonov's free-kick from the left-hand side of the penalty area.

But just under 10 minutes later, the Central Asians restored parity after Songwut handled in the penalty area and Muydinov slotted home the resulting spot-kick sending Wutthipong the wrong way.

Oston Urunov could have completed the turnaround on 29 minutes but his shot from 20 yards out flashed inches wide of Wutthipong's left-hand post.

Uruonov then went close to turning provider as the Uzbekistan captain chipped an exquisite through ball to Abdullaev but the full-back sliced his shot wide.