Uzbekistan 1-1 Kuwait

Kuwait took the lead in the 6th minute through an own goal from Konstantin Sviridov after a corner from Abdulrahman Almosabehi deflected inside his own net. Three minutes later, the Uzbeks brought the match back at level through Dilshod Irsaliev.

In the match played at Al Shabab Stadium, Kuwait enjoyed lion’s share of possessions and were a threat for Uzbek goalie Rustam Umarov throughout the first half.

The early parts were totally dominated by the Kuwaitis and were duly rewarded for their persistent pressing in Uzbek half. While attempting to clear a powerful corner from Almosabehi, unlucky Sviridov ended up directing the ball inside his own net.

The own goal worked like a wake-up call for the three-time Asian Futsal Championship finalists as they started to find rhythm and became more adventurous with their effort reaping fruit in the 9th minute. Ardus star Dilshod, who had scored a goal in Uzekistan’s 8-3 loss against Japan in the final two years ago, continued his fine goalscoring touch in the continental stage by volleying a deflection off Talal Fahad.

“We were not in our best in first 30 minutes,” said Uzbekistan’s Spanish tactician Pazos Mandez Jose Maria.

“Nothing to take away the brilliant match Kuwait played, we could have won the match later in the second half,” Pazos was referring two Uzbek shots deep into the second half which kissed the bar and deflected back in playing area.

Pazos’ Spanish counterpart Fonseca Cilleros was all praise for the valiant effort his players made to offer Uzbekistan a real fight.

“It’s a brilliant first day result and the players must be congratulated for the ways they played as we had our chances as well,” said the Spaniard.

“But we have to be on our guard and keep our head cool as if something goes wrong against Indonesia tomorrow, today’s good work will no more count.”

Kuwait play Indonesia and Uzbekistan take on China on Saturday.