Uzbekistan and Tajikistan Draw in 2026 AFC Futsal Asian Cup Opener

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — In the opening match of Group C at the 2026 AFC Futsal Asian Cup™ in Indonesia, the national teams of Uzbekistan and Tajikistan played to a 0-0 draw.

Despite the lack of goals, the game featured several dangerous moments. In the very first minute, Tajikistan’s Yorov Idris broke through on a fast counterattack but shot directly into the hands of Uzbekistan goalkeeper Shavkat Ibragimov. Uzbekistan responded quickly, with Muzaffar Akhadjonov attempting a long-range strike from the center of the field, which was saved by Tajikistan goalkeeper Firuz Bekmurodov.

In the second half, both goalkeepers continued to display top-class performances. Bekmurodov blocked shots from Elbek Tulkinov and Sunatulla Juraev, while Ibragimov denied a close-range attempt by Bakhtiyar Soliev. In the final minutes, neither side was able to convert their opportunities, and the match ended goalless.

Following this result, four-time continental champion Japan topped the group after defeating Australia 6-2 in an earlier match.