In the inaugural match of the group stage in the 2023 Asian Football Cup, the Uzbekistan national football team faced off against Syria, resulting in a goalless draw in a competitive encounter held in Qatar on the night of January 14, AFC Asian Cup reported.
Despite the Uzbeks enjoying more possession of the ball, Syria showcased dominance in the first half of the match. The second half saw increased pressure from the Uzbekistan national team, with a disallowed goal for offside being a key moment in the game.
The turning point for Uzbekistan came towards the end of the match when midfielder Abbosbek Faizullaev orchestrated a notable play, leading to the team's first shot on target. Subsequently, substitute striker Igor Sergeev attempted a header, only to be thwarted by the Syrian goalkeeper, maintaining the score at a deadlock.
Notably, Eldor Shomurodov, the leader of the Uzbek team, was absent from the final squad for the tournament due to injury, adding a challenge for the team in their quest for success.
Head coach Srečko Katanec's team is placed in Group "B" alongside Australia, Syria, and India. After the initial round of matches, Australia sits atop the group, securing a 2-0 victory against India. Uzbekistan and Syria hold the second and third positions, respectively, each earning one point.
The 2023 Asian Football Cup, the 18th edition of the tournament, brings together national teams from member countries of the Asian Football Confederation. Held in Qatar from January 12 to February 10, the championship title is currently held by the host team, Qatar. Originally slated to be hosted by China, the country withdrew from the tournament in May 2022 due to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 outbreak.
Earlier Daryo reported that CSKA Moscow and Uzbekistan national youth team's emerging football star, Abbosbek Faizullaev, secures a nomination for the 2023 Best Young Player from the International Federation of Football History and Statistics (IFFHS).
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