Uzbekistan cruise past Bangladesh in U-20 qualifier

BFF Photo

Uzbekistan cruised to a 2-0 victory over Bangladesh in their opening AFC U-20 Asian Cup qualifier in Tashkent on Monday, ending the visitors’ hopes of producing an upset in their first match.

Kuvanishbek Saydaliev put the hosts ahead in the 20th minute when his rebound deflected into the Bangladesh net off forward Raisul Islam Rahid.

Uzbekistan doubled their advantage immediately after the interval. Saydaliev turned provider, sending in a cross for Abraev Kuvonchbek to head home in the 46th minute.

Bangladesh goalkeeper Raj Chowdhury was the standout performer for the visitors, making three sharp saves in the first half to prevent the hosts from extending their lead.

British head coach Gerard Jones had urged his charges to “turn every negative into a positive” after a gruelling 30-hour journey and training on substandard pitches.

However, the SAFF champions struggled to make an impact after the break, spending much of the second half pinned back in their own half. Bangladesh failed to produce a single counter-attack as Uzbekistan controlled the game.

Bangladesh will now look to revive their campaign against Syria on 3 September before facing India on 6 September.