China narrowly beat Pakistan 1-0 on Monday to join Hong Kong and Uzbekistan in clinching a place in the Asian Games men’s football knockout round.
Chang Feiya took the ball to the Pakistan byline, cut in and fired home from two metres (six feet) in the 20th minute of a frustrating game in which Pakistan had more shots and possession.
China started the day bottom of the three-team Group F and needing a win to clinch the second qualifying place behind unbeaten North Korea.
In Group B, Vikor Shodiev scored twice as Uzbekistan beat Afghanistan 5-0 to claim top spot, while all the goals came in the second half as Hong Kong beat Bangladesh 2-1 to get the second qualifying spot.
Thailand hammered Indonesia 6-0, with Adisak Krasorn scoring two, to overtake their opponents and take first place in Group E. Indonesia still went through in second place.
Jordan beat India 2-0 to make sure they got first place in the three-team Group G, ahead of United Arab Emirates.
Vietnam beat Kyrgzystan 1-0 to extend their lead at the top of Group H.
The Maldives, whose teams have taken a battering in all sports at the Asian Games, came from behind to claim their first win 3-2 over East Timor in Group E. Neither side go through, however.
The men’s football has a one-day rest Tuesday before the second round starts.
