The
Uzbekistan Dominance in Tashkent
The hosts asserted their authority early, though India initially held firm. An early scare in the seventh minute saw a header from Asilbek Aliev disallowed for an offside obstruction on India goalkeeper Suraj Singh Aheibam. Uzbekistan continued to test the Indian defense, with Suraj pulling off a notable save from an Abdulfayz Bobomurodov long-range effort, while a powerful strike from Kuvanishbek Saydaliev rattled the crossbar in the 27th minute.
The deadlock was finally broken in the 29th minute when Ulugbek Maratov converted from close range following a set-piece delivery. Uzbekistan extended their lead before halftime through a clinical 25-yard free-kick from Kuvonchbek Abraev, which struck the inside of the post to leave the goalkeeper helpless.
Second Half Surge Seals Result
Despite tactical adjustments from coach Mahesh Gawali, who introduced fresh legs in the 53rd minute, the hosts maintained their momentum. Suraj continued to be active, denying Abraev from close range shortly after the restart. However, the pressure eventually yielded a third goal in the 67th minute, with Shorakhim Shorakhmedov finding the back of the net after a precise cut-back from Behruzjon Kupaysinov.
As the match neared its conclusion, Uzbekistan added a fourth goal in the 90th minute. Nurbek Sersenbaev capitalized on a looping delivery into the box, timing his run perfectly to beat the Indian defensive line and seal the 4-0 victory. India will now look to regroup for their final group encounter as they aim to keep their Asian Cup aspirations alive.
