• Home
  • Football

Uzbekistan U23 vs Philippines U23 Preview and Betting Tips - Open Asian Games clash Predicted

tolu-shotade
Editor
Last updated: Sun 13 Sep 2026 15:54
Uzbekistan U23 and Philippines U23 kick off their Group C campaign at the 2026 Asian Games with both sides chasing early momentum. Recent stats highlight attacking strengths but defensive vulnerabilities: both teams have regularly found the net while leaking goals. Neither has met at this level before, increasing the unpredictability. Both squads show signs of inconsistency in form, but are expected to score in this encounter. Predicted lineups point to exciting young talents, suggesting a lively and potentially high-scoring opener.
Tolu Shotade 1 hour ago
Share this article
Or copy link
  • Both teams have strong attacks but weak defense; expect both to score.
  • Neither Uzbekistan U23 nor Philippines U23 have beat the other before.
  • Recent form for both sides is inconsistent, but predicted lineups promise attacking football.
Uzbekistan U23
Players of Uzbekistan line up for team photo during the AFC U23 Asian Cup (Getty Images)

Uzbekistan U23 vs Philippines U23 2026 Asian Games Preview


Uzbekistan and the Philippines square off in their opening Group C fixture of the football event at the 2026 Asian Games. 

There are likely to be a few shaky moments in the first match, and with both teams showing defensive vulnerability, goals could be on the cards here.

Key Stats 


  • Uzbekistan U23 have scored in six of their last 10 matches in all competitions.
  • Uzbekistan U23 have conceded in six of their last 10 matches in all competitions.
  • Philippines U23 have scored in eight of their last 10 matches in all competitions.
  • Philippines U23 have conceded in four of their last eight matches in all competitions.

No Previous Meetings 


This will be the first-ever meeting between Uzbekistan and Philippines at this level.

Uzbekistan's Patchy Form 


Uzbekistan come into this clash off the back of a 1-0 victory over USA in a pre-tournament friendly. They were made to work hard for the win, with Firdavs Abdurakhmonov’s effort midway through the second half proving to be the difference. 

That was a timely return to winning ways for Uzbekistan, who had been winless in their previous four matches. Their overall form has also been a bit patchy lately, with just four wins and two draws in their last 10 matches in all competitions.

Uzbekistan have shown some attacking quality lately, scoring in six of their last 10 matches in all competitions. However, Ravshan Khaydarov’s team have also looked a bit shaky at the back, conceding in six of their last 10 matches in all competitions. 

Philippines Looking Erratic


The last outing for the Philippines ahead of this competition was at the qualifiers for the AFC Asian U23 Cup. They failed to make that tournament but ended their campaign with a 4-0 victory over Nepal.

That was their second straight win for the Philippines, who also picked up a 1-0 victory over Tajikistan in their previous fixture. However, like their rivals, Garrath McPherson’s team have also battled inconsistency lately, with five wins in their last 10 matches in all competitions.

Another similarity with Uzbekistan is that the Philippines have also looked sharp going forward, scoring in eight of their last 10 matches. However, they have the tendency to switch off at the back and have conceded in four of their last eight matches. 

Team News & Predicted Line-ups 


Uzbekistan (4-3-3): Abduvohid Nematov; Saidazamat Mirsaidov, Mukhammadkodir Khamraliev, Ibrokhimkhalil Yuldoshev, Zafarmurod Abduralhmatov; Umarali Rakhmonaliev, Diyor Kholmatov, Jasurbek Jaloliddinov; Abbosbek Fayzullaev, Ruslanbek Jiyanov, Khusayin Norchaev. 

Khamraliev and Yuldoshev are expected to feature at the back for Uzbekistan, while Kholmatov should start in midfield. Norchaev is set to line up in attack, with Jiyanov and Fayzullaev providing support. 

Philippines U23 (4-2-3-1): Alfonso Gonzalez; Santi Rublico, Jaime Rosquillo, Isaiah Alaiku, Gabriel Guimaraes; Gavin Muens, Jax Pena, Uriel Dalapo, Sandro Reyes, Karl Absalon; Selwyn Mamon.

Mamon is expected to lead the line for the Philippines alongside Dalapo and Reyes. Muens should feature in midfield while Rosquillo and Alaiku should hold the fort in the heart of the defence. 

Verdict

There are likely to be a few shaky moments in this one, with Uzbekistan and the Philippines unconvincing at the back. 

Both teams have the quality to capitalize on defensive lapses and could be backed to score here.

Best Bet1: Yes Both Teams to Score @5/6 at bet365 - 3 Units
Yes
Both Teams to Score
@5/6 - 3 Units
Bet £10 Get £30
with bonus code NEWBONUS

Available to new customers only. Make a qualifying deposit of £5 or more and claim the offer within 30 days of registering your account to qualify for 300% of that amount in Bet Credits, up to a maximum of £30 in Bet Credits. Once released, your Bet Credits will be held in your account balance and are non-withdrawable. Min deposit requirement. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits and are available for use upon settlement of qualifying bets. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Registration required. Time limits and T&Cs apply. The bonus code NEWBONUS can be used during registration but does not change the offer amount in any way. #ad

Bet at bet365
tolu-shotade
Tolu Shotade

Football Writer • 10+ Years as a Betting Analyst, TV & Radio Lead Presenter

Worked as a sports anchor on radio between 2007 and 2012 before switching to television. Tolu was the lead presenter for the Italian Serie A, English Premier League and German Bundesliga on satellite television in Africa and joined SuperSport in 2017. He began writing for freetips.com in 2018 and has a deep knowledge of the African leagues as well as Europe's top 5 leagues including the UEFA Champions League and Europa League. Favourite Sports: Football addict with interests in boxing and tennis.

Read More

Top Betting Sites

special-offer-1Betting offers

Upcoming Events

15 Sep 2026

Uzbekistan U23 v Philippines U23

days

hours

min

Add to Calendar
Hear more from Freetips.com