Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Uzbekistan’s U-17 national football team delivered a commanding 3–0 victory over tournament hosts Saudi Arabia, securing the top spot in Group A of the AFC U-17 Asian Cup.

The win propels Uzbekistan into the quarterfinals, where they will face the second-placed team from Group B. Saudi Arabia, a two-time champion of the tournament, will meet the winner of that same group.

Saudi head coach Mario da Silva made just two changes from their previous match against China, introducing Abdulaziz Asiri and Wafi Al-Aqloobi into the starting lineup. In contrast, Uzbekistan coach Islambek Ismoilov gave rest to five key players who had started the previous matches.

The first 20 minutes were tightly contested, as both teams had already secured qualification to the knockout stage and played cautiously, minimizing risks.

Midway through the first half, Uzbekistan increased the pressure. Midfielder Muhammad Khabibullaev came close twice — first with a shot straight at the keeper, and then firing over the bar after a solo run down the left flank.

Saudi Arabia, struggling to create chances, nearly scored in the 40th minute. Abduhadi Matari brilliantly controlled a long ball from Nasser Al-Fihani, but Uzbek goalkeeper Ibrokhim Shokirov produced a key save.

Right after the break, the Saudis came out aggressive and won a penalty in the 48th minute when Abdurahman Sufyani was fouled in the box. However, Sufyani himself struck the crossbar from the spot. In the next attack, Salem Abdullah found the net, but the goal was disallowed for offside.

Uzbekistan responded swiftly. In the 57th minute, Jamshidbek Rustamov was fouled by Said Al-Dossari and calmly converted the resulting penalty, beating Al-Aqloobi.

Six minutes later, the lead was doubled. After a slick one-touch passing move, Faridjon Abdullayev fed Khabibullaev, who squared the ball for Asylbek Aliyev to finish coolly from close range.

Rustamov capped off the performance in the 70th minute with a stunning volley, sealing a comprehensive 3–0 win. With this result, Uzbekistan not only showcased dominant football but also advanced to the knockout stage of the AFC U-17 Asian Cup for the seventh time in a row.