Uzbekistan completed the U20 Asian Cup qualification with three victories
The national team of Uzbekistan defeated Syria 3-0 and completed the qualifiers for the U20 Asian Cup with nine points, scoring nine goals.
Uzbekistan completed the U20 Asian Cup qualifiers with three victories
The Uzbekistan national team defeated Syria 3:0 in the final match of Group B in the AFC U20 Asian Cup China 2025™ qualifiers. The team completed the qualifying stage with a maximum result — three victories in three matches, nine goals scored, and none conceded.
Uzbekistan took the lead in the 10th minute. Following a free kick by Kuvonchbek Abraev, Diyor Ermanov won an aerial duel against Ahmad Khalaf and headed the ball into the top left corner of the net.
Another dangerous episode occurred near the Syrian goal in the first half. In the 34th minute, a mistake by goalkeeper Hadi Ismail almost led to a second goal for Uzbekistan, but Ulugbek Maratov was unable to capitalize on the opportunity.
Before the break, the Uzbek team continued to hold the initiative, but failed to increase the goal difference.
In the second half of the match, Uzbekistan focused on attacking once again. In the 76th minute, Abraev could have scored after a run down the left flank, but delayed his shot and missed the opportunity.
Five minutes later, the midfielder made amends. Abraev beat Amer Ammar and unleashed a precise long-range shot, sending the ball between the oncoming Ismail and the left post.
Uzbekistan scored their third goal in stoppage time. In the fifth minute of added time, Joseph Dalal handled the ball in his own penalty area, resulting in a penalty kick. Davron Tulaganov confidently converted the 11-meter shot.
The victory over Syria was Uzbekistan's third in the qualifiers. The team collected nine points, scored nine goals, and kept a clean sheet. Uzbekistan qualified for the final tournament of the U20 Asian Cup for the third consecutive time.
In the group's other match, India defeated Bangladesh 3:0 and finished the qualifiers three points behind Uzbekistan. The Indian team moved closer to returning to the final tournament for the first time since 2006.
India opened the scoring in the 25th minute. Gwgwmsar Goyary received a pass from Thanglalsoun Gangte and, in a one-on-one situation with Md Asif, shot low between the legs of the oncoming goalkeeper.
After the break, the Indians continued to control the course of the game. In the 60th minute, Korou Singh Thingujam sent the ball into the left corner of the net with a bicycle kick.
The final score was established in the 79th minute. Manglenthang Kipgen took advantage of a poor clearance by Bangladesh captain Shakil Ahad Topu and sent the ball into the net off the underside of the crossbar with a powerful shot.
Thus, Uzbekistan confidently completed the qualifying stage, winning all three matches in Group B. The team scored nine goals and did not allow their opponents to score a single time.