Though the tournament hosts were unable to claim a maiden triumph at this level as they were downed 2-0 by DPR Korea at Pakhtakor Stadium on Sunday, Khakimov (pictured) was the standout player in guiding his side to within one match of the coveted title.

The young striker’s first goals came in Uzbekistan’s Group A opener, scoring a brace in a 3-0 defeat of Indonesia.

He grabbed another two goals in the emphatic 8-1 victory over Tajikistan that ensured Uzbekistan finished top of the group before grabbing the winner in their 2-1 quarter-final win over Syria.

Khakimov had claimed in the build-up to the match that he would happily sacrifice personal glory if Uzbekistan secured the title but it was not to be as late goals from Ri Kwang-il and Jo Kwang secured the win for DPR Korea.

Australia’s Jesse Makarounas edged Khakimov and Japan’s Takumi Minamino to the Top Scorer award by virtue of having made more assists throughout the tournament.

The Australian Institute of Sport forward bagged braces in group games against Timor Leste and Vietnam before grabbing the winner in the Joeys’ 3-2 extra time win over the United Arab Emirates to send his side through to the semi finals, where they lost 2-1 to Uzbekistan.