Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- Iran and Uzbekistan set-up an exciting battle for top spot following impressive wins over Afghanistan and Hong Kong, China respectively in Group E of the AFC U23 Asian Cup™ Qatar 2024 Qualifiers at the Lokomotiv Stadium on Saturday.

Khusain Norchaev and Ulugbek Khoshimov starred with hat-tricks as Uzbekistan led from start to go top of the Group E standings on goal difference.

Norchaev opened their account in the sixth minute with Abbosbek Fayzullaev and Alisher Odilov getting on the scoresheet after the 25th minute mark.

Uzbekistan continued to press after the break with Umarali Rakhmonaliev making no mistake from the penalty spot in the 57th minute in between strikes from Odilov in the 59th and 68th minutes respectively.

Hong Kong, China suffered more woes following Yip Cheuk Man’s own goal in the  75th minute before Ulugbek Khoshimov followed up with his hat-trick in the 83rd, 88th and 90+4 minutes.