THE Filipinas will have China as one of its opponents in the group stage of the 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya in Japan.
The Philippine women's national football team was drawn in Group G with China, a nine-time Women’s Asian Cup champion and reigning Asian Games bronze medalist, following a draw ceremony on Thursday.
Uzbekistan, which lost to China, 7-0, for that bronze, also finds itself on the same boat, with Hong Kong completing the bunch.
Reigning Asiad champion and host Japan is in Group E, along with Chinese Taipei, Vietnam, and Thailand, while South Korea and North Korea are in Group F alongside Bangladesh and Myanmar.
In the men’s U-23 side, the Philippines will be up against reigning bronze medalist Uzbekistan, Vietnam, and Kuwait in Group C.
Host Japan is in Group A with Thailand, Kyrgyzstan, and Hong Kong China, while China is with United Arab Emirates, Iran, and North Korea in Group B.
Defending champion South Korea is in Group D with Saudi Arabia and Qatar.
Filipinos will play in the men’s division for the first time since 1974 following the withdrawal of India.
Asiad kick-off
Though the opening ceremony is on September 19, the football competitions will start on September 14 and will run until October 3.
The top two teams in each group will advance to the quarterfinals.
The Philippine women are looking to improve on their quarterfinal finish during the last continental meet where they were beaten by Japan, 8-1.
The Filipinas are also bound for the FIFA Women's World Cup 2027, and the Asiad is part of their preparation.
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