AFC U-17 Asian Cup 2023: Uzbekistan stage late drama to outwit India

India' chances of qualifying for the AFC U-17 Asian Cup knockouts grew dim after the loss.

Uzbekistan took a firm step towards the AFC U-17 Asian Cup Thailand 2023 knockout stage with a crucial 1-0 win over India in Group D on Tuesday. 

The victory took Uzbekistan to four points, level with Japan while India only have a point to show after two matches. They face Japan in their final tie on Friday while Uzbekistan play Vietnam, who are also on one point. 

Uzbekistan started the match with a visible determination to get an early lead and the first scare for India came in the ninth minute when Azizbek Tulkunbekov’s shot from outside the box was saved by goalkeeper Sahil. 

https://youtu.be/1nOeAIpDMO0

For much of the first half, the match stayed in the control of the Central Asians. A 20th minute attempt from Lazizbek Mirzayev which ended up being too high to make a difference to the scoreline was quickly followed by another wasted opportunity from the midfielder when he found his right-footed shot from the centre of the box blocked.

India saw a glimmer of hope right as the clock hit the 30-minute-mark when Lalpekhlua’s overhead ball found Korou Singh. However, the unmarked Indian skipper failed to make use of the opportunity and could only earn a corner out of the situation. 

India could have found themselves in deep waters towards the end of the first half with repeated efforts from Ollobergan Karimov and Shodiyor Shodiboev to dismantle the Blue Colts which, ultimately, did not aid in changing the scoreline as the match went into half time.

A feeble attempt from India came in the 56th minute when Gurnaj Singh’s long ball to Thanglalsoun Gangte was blocked by Uzbek keeper Mujammadyusuf Sobirov. 

Jamoliddin Rakhmatullaev’s boys came dangerously close to scoring when Mirzaev’s left footed shot from inside the box missed the mark and went above the net. 

Uzbekistan finally found their way through in the 80th minute thanks to substitute Mukhammedali Reimov, whose powerful shot from the centre of the box sent the ball past the Indian goalkeeper.