DOHA: Uzbekistan secured a positive start to life in Group D of the AFC U23 Asian Cup Qatar 2024with a 2-0 win over Malaysia at Khalifa International Stadium on Wednesday.
Malaysia kept the game tight for long periods but 2018 champions Uzbekistan’s clinical finishing proved to be the difference in a tie of limited chances.
Both sides had early chances with Luqman Hakim sending a volley just over the bar in the first minute before Jasurbek Jaloliddinov tested Malaysian goalkeeper Azim Al Amin with a grounder from outside the box.
Luqman was then presented with a tap-in chance on seven minutes but Saidazamat Mirsaidov produced an outstanding last-ditch block to deny the Yokohama FC forward.
That was to cost Malaysia four minutes later when Jaloliddinov confidently slotted home a spot-kick which was awarded after Syahir Bashah dallied inside his own box before eventually fouling Ruslanbek Jiyanov after the Navbahor forward had nicked the ball off him.
As the half progressed, Malaysia pulled their defensive line lower, allowing Uzbekistan more possession but were able to protect Azim better with only Jiyanov’s long-distance strike in the 32nd minute needing a save.
The second half was a more cagey affair even though the pattern of the game remained unchanged with Uzbekistan continuing to probe without success.
Uzbekistan head coach Timur Kapadze and his Malaysian counterpart Juan Garrido looked to change the game by altering their respective midfields with Diyor Kholmatov coming on for the Central Asian side while Muhammad Abu was sent on for the Southeast Asians, but it did little to spruce up the game.
Malaysia had a half-chance in the 73rd minute after substitute Daryl Sham was released down the right wing, with his cross requiring Uzbekistan custodian Abduvakhid Nematov to drop back to collect the ball.
Ulugbek Khoshimov settled the contest 10 minutes later after Khusain Norchaev pounced on a loose ball to set up the former for the finish, with Uzbekistan to face Kuwait next on Saturday while Malaysia will play Vietnam.
