Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — The Uzbekistan national team secured a spot in the quarterfinals of the AFC U-17 Cup in Saudi Arabia after a dramatic 2-1 victory over China in their Group A match, held at the Oqaz Stadium in Taif on Sunday. This result guaranteed Uzbekistan one of the top two spots in the group, also securing their qualification for the 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar.

China, who lost to Saudi Arabia 2-1 in their opening match, while Uzbekistan had confidently beaten Thailand 4-1, faced difficult conditions in the scorching heat. Liu Zhale had a chance to open the scoring in the first half, but his shot missed the target.

China took the lead in the 33rd minute when Zhang Chengzhu scored after Wei Xiangxin's shot was saved by Uzbekistan's goalkeeper Nematullo Rustamjonov.

Bunyaming Abudushalamu could have doubled China’s lead, but his long-range effort narrowly missed the post. This missed opportunity proved decisive, and in the 45th minute, Sadriddin Khasanov equalized for Uzbekistan, converting a precise cross from Abdullo Fazliddinov.

In the second half, Uzbekistan played with more aggression, which paid off. In the 52nd minute, tensions rose as players from both teams exchanged heated words, leading to yellow cards for Ainzhikhar Lokherman and Muhammad Lkhakimov.

After an hour of play, Muhammad Habibullaev had a chance to give Uzbekistan the lead, but his close-range shot went wide. Later, Azizbek Abdumuminov shot directly into the hands of the Chinese goalkeeper, and Jamshidbek Rustamov failed to score after a shot from outside the penalty area.

Liu Zhale was also close to putting China ahead again, but his powerful shot went wide of the goal.

Finally, in the 86th minute, Asilbek Aliyev became the hero of the match for Uzbekistan, scoring with a header into the top corner after a cross from Azizbek Abdumuminov. This goal secured Uzbekistan's victory and first place in the group, ensuring their passage to the quarterfinals of the AFC U-17 Cup in Saudi Arabia in 2025.