The Uzbeks open their campaign on Sunday against Lebanon while Chinese Taipei face Indonesia in the other Group A match.

While rival coaches talk of Uzbekistan as the team to beat, the home team coach Sergio Sapo preferred to play down his side’s chances.

“I don’t want to make any predictions,” said Sapo. “I believe all teams in this group have an equal chance of making it to the next stage.”

Lebanon coach Dori Zakhour said his team know the obstacles when they face Uzbekistan on Sunday.

“Unfortunately, our first game is against the masters of this tournament,” he said. “This means we will face not only the team but also several thousand supporters.”

Indonesian coach Robbie Hartono said: “Uzbekistan are definitely the favourites. They have a very good coach and always do well in this tournament.

“But I think we have a chance of getting to the quarter-finals and we will do our best to achieve that target.”

Chinese Taipei head coach Chen Kuei-Jen also looked to the Uzbeks as standard-bearers in the group.

Said Chen: “Like my colleagues, I believe that Uzbekistan are the strongest team in the group. We are here to gain as much experience as we can.”