Uzbekistan start 2020 AFC U-16 Championship 2020 Qualifiers with a 3-1 win over Bahrain

Uzbekistan fended off the challenge of Bahrain as two second-half goals secured White Wolves a 3-1 win over Bahrain.

Uzbekistan, the 2012 champions, took the lead in the 18th minute through Rian Islamov, but Sayed Mahmoom Almoosawi equalised for Bahrain in the 44th minute.

The deadlock continued way into the second half, till Mirkomil Abrazokov restored the Uzbek's goal advantage in the 69th minute and Rustam Turdimurodov scored six minutes into added time to secure Uzbekistan an emphatic win.

Uzbekistan will continue their campaign against Central Asian neighbour Turkmenistan on Friday, while Bahrain play Group B leaders India.