Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Manama: A much-changed Uzbekistan dropped their first points of the 2016 AFC U-19 Championship on Friday evening, but their 0-0 draw with China at Khalifa Sports City Stadium ensured the Central Asian nation goes into their quarter-final meeting with Islamic Republic of Iran with an unbeaten record.
The Uzbeks were already guaranteed top spot in Group D following opening wins over Tajikistan and Australia on the first two match days, and coach Jasur Abduraimov made nine changes to the side that defeated Australia 3-2 in the previous round.
Only defender Khushnudbek Avilov and Jamshid Yusupov in midfield survived from the team that secured first place with the win over the Young Socceroos, while Islomjon Kobilov missed the game through suspension after being sent off against the Australians.
The changes gave Uzbekistan a disjointed feel in the early stages of the game and, as a result, it was the Chinese who were dominant.
Chinese coach Li Ming had made five alterations of his own, but it was the east Asian nation who had the greater cohesion, if not the higher level of composure in front of goal.
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