Uzbekistan Opens AFC U20 Asian Cup Qualifiers With Victory

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — Uzbekistan opened its campaign in the qualifying tournament for the 2027 AFC U20 Asian Cup with a 2-0 victory over Bangladesh in Group B in Tashkent on Monday, the Asian Football Confederation said.

Uzbekistan took the lead in the 19th minute. After Aslbek Abdurasulov’s shot was blocked, the ball fell to Kuvanishbek Saydaliev. His effort took a deflection off Bangladesh defender Md Raisul Islam Rahid before finding the net.

The hosts doubled their lead in the first minute of the second half. Saydaliev delivered an accurate cross into the penalty area, allowing Abrayev Quvonchbek to head the ball into the net unchallenged.

In the other Group B match, India edged Syria 1-0.

Syria, the 1994 Asian champions, started the match more actively, but India defended reliably. The first half ended goalless.

Syria continued to attack after the break. In the 69th minute, Ahmad Khalaf found the net, but the goal was ruled out for offside. Two minutes later, the same player headed against the crossbar following a cross from Alan Mama.

India took its opportunity in the 86th minute. Singamayyum Shami capitalized on an uncertain defensive play by Syria after a pass from Md Arbash and scored to secure three points for his team.