Japan defeat Turkmenistan 3-2 in Asian Cup

Abu Dhabi, Jan 9 (IANS) Japan's national football team earned a 3-2 victory over Turkmenistan in the 2019 AFC Asian Cup Group F opener held on Wednesday at the Al Nahyan Stadium here.It was Turkmenistan midfielder Arslanmurat Amanov who opened the scoring in the 26th minute, securing a 1-0 lead until half-time, reports Efe.After the break, Japan bounced back, slamming three goals home in a total of 15 minutes.The two first goals came suddenly from forward Yuya Osako in the 56th and 60th minutes and then the Samurai Blue's midfielder Ritsu Doan scored Japan's last goal 11 minutes later.Ahmet Atayev pulled one back for Turkmenistan in the 79th minute, however the Greens could not find the back of Japan's net for an equalizer and the game ended with a Japanese victory.Following the match Japan leads the Group F standings with three points while Turkmenistan, which is participating in the tournament for only the second time, sits in the fourth and last place.The other Group F first-round match is scheduled later on Wednesday and pits Uzbekistan against Oman.
--IANS gau/bg