Uzbekistan took the lead in the 16th minute through Jamshid Boltaboev’s cracking freekick but China found the equalizer two minutes from the half time after Hu Jinghang headed past fumbling Uzbek goalie Eshbutaev Shokhrukhjon.

With the share of spoils, the Group D went wide open with Uzbekistan leading by four points followed by Syria and China in second with two points from as many matches while India have one but still have chances to qualify for the quarter-finals. Uzbekistan will take on Syria and China meet India on Thursday’s last match of the group.

“It was a very tough match against a very organized Uzbek side who were also desperate to win the match to ensure an early passage to the quarter-final,” Chinese coach Maozhen said.

“I am proud with my boys for their mental strength as this was big match and they kept their cool and performed brilliantly.

“We conceded the goal early and needed at least one back which was not coming easily but the goal we scored was a lucky break rather I would say it was the reward of my boys’ commitment,” he added.

“In last 20 minutes we concentrated on defending and hit them on the break but it’s natural, you have to play football to your capacity.”

Maozhen counterpart Nuraliyev Dilshod stressed on the improvement of his side with each succeeding matches. “We played better today and I have faith on my boys against Syria so there should not be any problem,” a visibly frustrated Dilshod said.

“Our goalkeeper fumbled but it’s a part and parcel of football as sometime you don’t have a good day,” he said. “We would have liked to score a couple of early goals but that never came and we had to share points but we would definitely address our remaining mistakes against Syria,” the coach of 2010 runners-up said.