The decisive stage of the AFC U-23 Asian Cup — the quarterfinals — is in full swing. Uzbekistan’s U-23 team, coached by Ravshan Haydarov, faced China U-23 on the doorstep of the semifinals, and it turned into a tense, hard-fought battle.
The score stayed goalless both in the 90 minutes and in extra time — 0:0. Both sides prioritized caution: Uzbekistan looked for chances through disciplined defending and quick transitions, while China tried to increase pressure with ball control and positional attacks. However, the final touch and decisive finish were missing.
The match was decided by a penalty shootout. This time luck favored the Chinese: China U-23 won the shootout 4:2 and booked a semifinal spot. As a result, China’s youth side became the third semifinalist and will now face Vietnam on the road to the final.
The contest was intense both in play and in bookings: Sardor Bahromov was cautioned in the 44th minute, while China’s Xu Bin (49), Wang Yudong (51) and Yang Haoyu (79) also received yellow cards. In short, the mood was “no one backs down,” but football can be like that: no matter how hard you try, it can still come down to a lottery.
AFC U-23 Asian Cup. Quarterfinal
Uzbekistan — China 0:0 (pens 2:4)
Uzbekistan: Muratbayev, Hamidov, Rizaqulov, Xayrullayev, Bahromov, Saidnurullayev, Jumayev, To‘lqinbekov, Karimov, Saidov, Abdullayev.
Substitutes: 1. Maksim Murkayev, 3. Dilshod Murtazayev, 5. Ozodbek Ergashov, 8. Muhammadali Reyimov, 12. Umar Rustamov, 13. Islom Anvarov, 15. Meyirbek Rejabaliyev, 18. Shoxjaxon Yorqinboyev, 19. Muhammad-Bobur Karimov.
China U-23: 16. Li Hao, 2. Xu Hetao, 3. He Yiran (5. Liu Haofan, 90+4), 4. Vumitijiang Yusupu, 6. Xu Bin (21. Bao Shengxin, 79), 8. Mutalifu Yimingkari (13. Wang Baxao, 66), 9. Baixelamu Abuduvali (7. Xiang Yuvang, 66), 10. Wang Yudong (11. Kuai Jiven, 99), 15. Peng Xiao, 20. Li Zenxuan (14. Yang Haoyu, 66), 23. Yang Aleks.
Substitutes: 1. Luan Yi, 12. Huo Shenping, 17. Bao Shimeng, 18. Chen Zeshi, 19. Zang Aixui, 22. Mao Veije.
Bookings: Sardor Bahromov (Uzbekistan) 44, Xu Bin (China) 49, Wang Yudong (China) 51, Yang Haoyu (China) 79.
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