Uzbekistan Complete U20 Asian Cup Qualifiers With Three Wins

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — Uzbekistan defeated Syria 3-0 in their final Group B match of the AFC U20 Asian Cup China 2027™ qualifiers to complete the qualifying campaign with a perfect record.

The Uzbek team won all three matches, scoring nine goals and conceding none.

Uzbekistan took the lead in the 10th minute. Following a free-kick delivery from Quvonchbek Abraev, Diyor Ermanov won an aerial duel with Ahmad Khalaf and headed the ball into the top-left corner.

Syria nearly conceded a second goal in the 34th minute after goalkeeper Hadi Ismail made a mistake, but Ulugbek Maratov was unable to capitalize on the opportunity.

Uzbekistan continued to control the game before the break but could not extend its lead.

The Uzbek side returned from halftime focused on attack. In the 76th minute, Abraev had a chance after advancing down the left flank, but he delayed his shot and missed the opportunity.

Five minutes later, the midfielder made amends. Abraev beat Amer Ammar and fired a precise long-range shot between the advancing Ismail and the left post.

Uzbekistan scored its third goal in stoppage time. In the fifth added minute, Joseph Dalal handled the ball inside his own penalty area, resulting in a penalty. Davron Tulaganov confidently converted the spot-kick.

The victory over Syria was Uzbekistan’s third in the qualifiers. The team finished with nine points, nine goals scored and a clean sheet in all three matches. Uzbekistan qualified for the U20 Asian Cup finals for the third consecutive time.

In the other Group B match, India defeated Bangladesh 3-0 to finish three points behind Uzbekistan. India moved closer to returning to the tournament’s final stage for the first time since 2006.

India opened the scoring in the 25th minute. Danny Laishram received a pass from Hattim Faruk Ali and, in a one-on-one situation with Raj Chowdhury, sent a low shot between the advancing goalkeeper’s legs.

India continued to control the match after the break. In the 60th minute, Vishal Yadav scored with an overhead kick, sending the ball into the left corner.

The final score was set in the 79th minute. Safiul Hossain capitalized on a poor clearance by Bangladesh captain Abdul Rihad Fahim and struck a powerful shot that went into the goal off the underside of the crossbar.

Uzbekistan thus completed the Group B qualifying campaign with three wins from three matches, scoring nine goals and preventing its opponents from scoring a single goal.