Asian Games | China held by Uzbekistan in Asian Games women's football

Li Qingtong (L) of China vies with Leyla Oraniyazova of Uzbekistan during the group G match of Women's Football between China and Uzbekistan at the 20th Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026 in Gifu, Japan, Sept. 17, 2026. (Photo: Xinhua/Jia Haocheng)

NAGOYA, Japan, Sept. 17 (Xinhua) -- China drew 1-1 with Uzbekistan in the second round of the women's football group stage at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games on Thursday, missing the chance to secure a place in the knockout stage with one game to spare.

China head coach Antony Milicic made eight changes to the starting lineup after his side's 5-1 win over Hong Kong, China, in the opening round, in which Wang Shuang scored twice and provided two assists. Wang started on the bench on Thursday.

The Steel Roses dominated possession and created numerous chances, but Uzbekistan took the lead in the 42nd minute when Kholida Dadaboeva headed home a rebound.

Wang came on after halftime, and China's attack gained momentum. In the 71st minute, Wang Yanwen headed the ball back across goal from a worked corner, allowing Zhang Linyan to head home the equalizer.

Two minutes later, Wang dribbled past several defenders outside the penalty area before striking the crossbar with a long-range effort.

China continued to press in the closing stages, but Uzbekistan defended resolutely to hold on for a draw.

China registered 24 shots, including 10 on target, compared with Uzbekistan's five attempts, three of which were on target.

"Disappointed, of course, not to win the game, but probably for us, looking on the balance of play, we created enough chances to score some goals and win the game," Milicic said at the post-match press conference.

"The best word to sum up today was a frustrating performance based on the amount of possession we had, based on the territory we had, and the amount of chances we had."

Explaining the extensive rotation, Milicic said the team needed fresh players after only two days of rest and that the tournament also provided an opportunity to give more players international experience.

"We wanted to give players some opportunities to show what they can do at this level," he said. "You have to have one eye in that department."

Milicic added that the result would not change the team's approach to its final group match against the Philippines next Monday.

"We didn't look at securing qualification into the next round. We look at playing every game to win," he said.

"We're very confident we can win the group. We believe in ourselves. Recovery is going to be important now, and then make a good preparation for the Philippines, and we expect to put on a good performance," he added.