Uzbekistan 6-0 Kyrgyz Republic

Uzbekistan flexed their muscles with a comprehensive opening day win, scoring six goals – all in the final 30 minutes – with their stunning late flourish earning them top spot on the table.

Kyrgyz Republic held their highly fancied neighbours scoreless until the hour mark, but Nilufar Kudratova broke the deadlock in the 61st minute, with an Irina Dorefeeva own goal doubling the lead five minutes later.

From there the floodgates opened wide. Umida Zoirova scored in the 79th and 82nd minutes, before Kudratova added her second two minutes later, with Malika Burkhinova rounding out the win with the sixth and final goal in the second minute of stoppage time.

Afghanistan 2-1 Turkmenistan

Afghanistan overcame near-freezing temperatures and a gallant Turkmenistan to claim three points in their match at Central Republican Stadium and finish the day in third place.

In snowy conditions, Faitma Haydary gave Afghanistan the lead six minutes before half-time, with Fahima Tabish adding a second for Ali Jawad Ataiee’s side in the 63rd minute.

Lale Haipova scored two minutes later to give Turkmenistan hope, but they weren’t able to produce the late heroics required, making Saturday’s match against Iran one they can hardly afford to lose.

IR Iran 4-0 Tajikistan

Islamic Republic of Iran sounded an early title warning, producing a fine display to earn a convincing 4-0 win against tournament hosts Tajikistan.

It was a match where Iran’s super subs shone bright, with Fatemeh Geraeli netting a brace after coming on in the 24th minute, while Fatemeh Ghaasemi’s 37th-minute goal came just a minute after her introduction.

Hajar Dabbaghi, a starter up front, also scored for Iran in the 71st minute, putting Maryam Azmoun’s side on track with four matches to play.

Saturday (all times local): IR Iran v Turkmenistan (Hisor, 1400), Uzbekistan v Afghanistan (Dushanbe, 1400), Tajikistan v Kyrgyz Republic (Dushanbe, 1700)