Uzbekistan beats Pakistan in AFC Youth Soccer Qualifier

DUSHANBE—Uzbekistan beat Pakistan 3-0 in the opening match of the AFC Youth Football Qualifying championship here on Wednesday at Republic Stadium. Pakistan team failed to face a strong opposition which has the main advantage of their tall players who mainly relied on high passing game and scored most of their goals though free kicks before leading the first half 2-0.
The Pak Youth side coached by Muhammad Saddique Sheikh and Muhammad Rasheed though made some useful impressions in the second half but poor finish deprived them from breaking the dead lock. Uzbek side took the lead in the 20th minute when Kamoliddin Murzoyev sent the ball in the post between the wide open legs of the goalkeeper Muhammad Bilal before a right side move beat three of Pak defenders.
Coached by Englishmen Colm Toal Uzbeks remained focused and in right direction with their first time striking the ball approach and keeping a flow of passes through accurate heading which upset the rhythm of their opponents.
Uzbek side enlarged the lead with the 32nd minute goal scored by Vagiz Galiulin whose accurate shot off a free kick from left side sailed into the post with goalkeeper just not believing that it could go that way.
With Pak side struggling ,their opponents took control through their speedy forwards who were always in hunt for seizing scoring opportunities anticipating disciplined game plan.
As the first half was contested under cold and windy conditions, the sun peeped out in the second half in which Pakistan improved their game plan and their forwards made some notable acts of skilled play but they mis-target the post. Muhammad Waseem who wasted a couple of chances in the first half, continued the same in the following session and this time having rival keeper at his mercy ,his forceful shot eluded the post by inches.
But the start of the second half was discouraging for the green shirts who conceded their third goal in the 47th minute, Uzbek side boosting the lead through a free kick. Lutfulla Turaev smartly headed the ball which came all the way from right side and fooled the custodian Bilal who did not learn the lesson from his similar previous mistake.
With time running away the Pakistan side made desperate efforts and a big crowd cheered their every move but rival defence proved a man hurdle in their way to score. Even on some occasions Pak forwards specially Muhammad Waseem was in clear possession of the ball lack of coordination in the circle or near the left or right sides restricted them from putting the ball in. Pakistan will now play the hosts Tajikistan in their second and last match on November 25. Uzbekistan will take on Tajikistan in the last match of the event on November 27.—APP