Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Bangkok: Uzbekistan star Akbar Usmonov has scooped the Top Scorer award at the AFC U-20 Futsal Championship after his 13 goals helped his side seal fourth place at the inaugural tournament.
Usmonov finished three goals clear of nearest rival Jawad Haidari from Afghanistan at the top of the goalscoring charts, as he confirmed his growing reputation throughout the continental extravaganza in Thailand.
After failing to find the net during Uzbekistan’s Group D opener against Myanmar, Usmonov duly bagged two – one from the penalty spot – in an impressive 8-2 win over Hong Kong, and then added to his tally with a solitary strike during a thrilling 4-4 draw with Lebanon.
Four more goals followed as Uzbekistan sealed top spot in their group thanks to an emphatic defeat of Qatar, before the talented 20-year-old hotshot drew plaudits galore for his six-goal haul which helped the Central Asians power past Mongolia and into the semi-finals.
Despite being unable to augment his account during the semi-final clash with Iraq and the subsequent defeat to Thailand in the battle for third place, there can be little doubt that Usmonov’s form made him one of the standout performers at the AFC U-20 Futsal Championship.
Photo: AFC