Tajikistan, making their debut in the AFC Asian Cup tournament, secured a victory over the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on January 28, Reuters reported. The match concluded 1-1 after extra time at the Ahmed bin Ali Stadium, leading to a 5-3 triumph for Tajikistan in the penalty shootout.
Tajikistan took the lead in the first half with a goal from Vahdat Hanonov, displaying their prowess against a formidable UAE side. The tension peaked in the penalty shootout, with UAE's Caio Canedo facing a crucial moment as his effort was thwarted by Tajikistan's goalkeeper, Rustam Yatimov. Alisher Shukurov subsequently scored the decisive spot kick for Tajikistan, securing their place in the quarter-finals.
Ranked outside the top 100 teams globally, under coach Petar Segrt's guidance, Tajikistan overcame the odds to defeat a UAE squad sitting 42 places above them. The upset was even more significant considering UAE's recent successes, reaching the semi-finals in both the 2015 and 2019 editions of the tournament.
Match highlights
Tajikistan exhibited dominance in the second half, creating several counter-attacking opportunities that left the UAE defence struggling. Alisher Dzhalilov and Nuriddin Khamrokulov came close to extending the lead, but the UAE team managed to force extra time with Al Hammadi's late header.
Coach's perspective
UAE's coach, Paulo Bento, acknowledged the balanced nature of the game and emphasized the importance of congratulating the opponent. Expressing disappointment about losing midfielder Abdullah Ramadan to an early injury, Bento highlighted the challenges his team faced.
"They took advantage of their strengths, and we could not avoid that. I wish them the best of luck for the rest of the competition," he stated.
Quarter-final anticipation
Tajikistan now eagerly awaits the announcement of their quarter-final opponents, which will be revealed on January 29 when Iraq faces Jordan.
Match summary
30th minute: Hanonov scores, putting Tajikistan in the lead 1-0.
90th minute: Al-Hammadi equalizes for UAE, ending the match in a 1-1 draw.Penalty shootout
Tajikistan wins the penalty series 5-3
Scorers
Tajikistan: Hanonov (30')
UAE: Al-Hammadi (90')Lineups
Tajikistan:
Yatimov, Safarov, Hanonov, Jurabayev, Nazarov, Umarbayev (Davlatmir, 85), Panjshonbe, Shukurov, Jalilov (Hamrokulov, 72), Samiyev (Soirov, 72), Mabatshoyev (Muhammadjon, 85).
UAE:
- Essa, Hashemi (Idris, 46), al-Hammadi, Abdelaziz, Ramadan (Salmin, 16; Saleh, 61), Nader (Rashid, 73), al-Zaabi (Salmin, 90), Sultan (Ibrahim, 61), Fabio Lima, Kayo, al-Gassani.Warnings:
Al-Gassani (69), al-Zaabi (84), Hamrokulov (116).
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