China ended a 28-year medal drought in men’s football at the Asian Games by clinching the bronze medal after a dramatic victory over Uzbekistan. The match, held at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, concluded with a 4-3 win on penalties after a 2-2 draw, marking China’s first football medal since 1998.
Goalkeeper Li Hao emerged as the hero of the day, saving two crucial penalties during the shootout. China’s journey to bronze began in the 15th minute when Hu Hetao, after a clever exchange with Kuai Jiwen, broke into the penalty area and scored. Uzbekistan, however, leveled the score just before halftime, with Sardorbek Bakhromov finding the back of the net in the 42nd minute.
China regained their lead in the second half when Wang Yudong struck a powerful shot into the top corner from the edge of the penalty area. Despite Zhang Yuning hitting the post in an attempt to extend China’s advantage, Uzbekistan’s persistence paid off as Shodiyor Shodiboyev equalized in the 89th minute, following a save by Li Hao.
With no extra time played in the bronze-medal match, the game headed straight to penalties. Li Hao’s standout performance between the posts ensured China’s victory in the shootout, securing their fourth Asian Games medal in men’s football. Prior to this achievement, China had collected a bronze in 1978, a silver in 1994, and another bronze in 1998.
The result offers a significant morale boost for the Chinese team, coming on the heels of their semifinal defeat to South Korea, and marks a return to the podium after nearly three decades.