The Women’s Asian Cup holders, China, beat debutants Bangladesh 2-0, while North Korea made a winning 3-0 return against Uzbekistan in the other Group B game.
A lightning-fast break by Bangladesh saw Ritu Chakma attempt a first-time 30-yard strike, but goalkeeper Chen Chen was equal to it with a superb tip over the crossbar.
Wang Shuang had headed home for China midway through the first half, but it was disallowed after a lengthy VAR check.
But in the 44th minute, Wang Shuang opened the scoring with a 25-yard effort, and in first-half stoppage time Zhang Rui’s deflected shot doubled the lead.
A very positive Bangladeshi side, who wasted no time in getting crosses and shots away, held the champions to a goalless second half.
North Korea led early on through Myong Yu-jong’s volley, before Uzbekistan had goalkeeper Maftuna Jonimqulova stretchered off.
Mwong went on to complete a hat-trick by the break, as she twice converted penalties for a 3-0 victory in North Korea’s first senior tournament finals for 15 years.
Women’s Asian Cup Fixtures for Weds 4 March:
Group C – Japan v Taiwan (5am), Vietnam v India (11am)
All matches streamed live at www.youtube.com/@AFCAsianCup
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