China ended a 28-year wait for a medal in men’s football at the Asian Games by clinching the bronze after a dramatic penalty shootout win against Uzbekistan. The match, held during the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, saw China prevail 4-3 on penalties following a 2-2 draw in regulation time.

The Chinese team took an early lead in the 15th minute when Hu Hetao combined with Kuai Jiwen and confidently finished into the net. However, Uzbekistan equalized before the break, with Sardorbek Bakhromov scoring in the 42nd minute after a well-executed attack.

In the second half, China regained the advantage as Wang Yudong fired a powerful shot into the top corner from the edge of the penalty area. Despite Zhang Yuning coming close to extending China’s lead by hitting the post, Uzbekistan’s relentless efforts were rewarded when Shodiyor Shodiboyev equalized in the 89th minute after a save by Chinese goalkeeper Li Hao.

With the match ending in a draw and no extra time played, the outcome was decided by penalties. Chinese goalkeeper Li Hao played a pivotal role, making two crucial saves in the shootout to secure China’s victory.

This bronze medal marks China’s fourth in Asian Games men’s football, having previously won bronze in 1978 and 1998 and silver in 1994. The win provides a significant boost to the team following their semifinal loss to South Korea and marks a return to the podium for the first time since 1998.