The men’s football tournament in the XIX Asian Games to be hosted by China will kick off today when Myanmar will face Bangladesh in the opening match.
On the first day, nine matches will be held in six groups. Myanmar and Bangladesh will play the opening match of their group at 2:30 pm Myanmar Standard Time today. In addition, China versus India, Viet Nam vs Mongolia, Saudi Arabia vs Iran, Bahrain vs Thailand, South Korea vs Kuwait, North Korea vs Chinese Taipei, and Indonesia vs Kirgizstan will be held the same day.
Group A is formed with host China, Bangladesh, Myanmar and India; Group B comprises Viet Nam, Saudi Arabia, Iran and Mongolia; Group C consists of Uzbekistan and Hong Kong; Japan, Palestine and Qatar fall in Group D; South Korea, Bahrain, Thailand and Kuwait are included in Group E; and Group F contains North Korea, Indonesia, Kirgizstan and Chinese Taipei.
As Syria and Afghanistan withdrew from Group C, Uzbekistan and Hong Kong had to play matches in two legs.
The men’s football tournament lasts from 19 to 25 September. According to the competition rules, two top teams from each group and four best third-placed teams, totalling 16 will have the chance to sail into the knockout stage. — Ko Nyi Lay/TTA
