Uzbekistan revived their FIFA U17 World Cup Indonesia 2023 hopes with an impressive 3-0 win over Canada in Group B on Monday.
Hosts Indonesia, meanwhile, fought back for a share of the points in a 1-1 draw with Panama in Group A.
Indonesia 1-1 Panama
Arkhan Kaka was Indonesia’s star again as his goal secured the Southeast Asian side their second consecutive draw, a result which keeps their hopes of advancing to the knockout stage alive.
Panama, defeated 2-0 by Morocco in their opening tie, silenced the home fans by taking the lead in first half added time through Oldemar Castillo.
Arkhan, who scored in the 1-1 draw with Ecuador on Friday, rose to the occasion again by netting the equaliser in the 54th minute.
Ecuador lead the standings after a 2-0 win over Morocco, who play Indonesia on Thursday.
Uzbekistan 3-0 Canada
Uzbekistan revived their knockout stage hopes with a 3-0 win over Canada.
Beaten by the same scoreline by Mali in their opening match, Uzbekistan had to win to keep their hopes alive and went ahead through a Richard Chukwu own goal in the 22nd minute.
Amir Saidov doubled their advantage two minutes later and confirmed the points with his second in the 81st minute.
Spain top the group after a 1-0 win over Mali, with Uzbekistan to play the European side on Thursday.
Tuesday’s matches will see Islamic Republic of Iran, who stunned defending champions Brazil 3-2 in their opening Group C match, facing an England side who defeated New Caledonia 10-0 on Saturday.
Reigning AFC U17 Asian Cup™ champions Japan, who beat Poland 1-0 in their first Group D match, face Argentina, who kicked off their campaign by edging Senegal 2-1.
By Nadeem Faisal Baiga