Iran Loses to Uzbekistan at AFC U-23 Asian Cup 2024 Qualifiers
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Uzbekistan defeated Iran 1-0 in the final AFC U-23 Asian Cup Qatar 2024 Qualifiers Group E fixture at the Lokomotiv Stadium on Tuesday.
The win confirmed Uzbekistan, the 2018 champion, its ticket to next April's Finals.
Both sides came into the tie level on points, having impressed with victories over Hong Kong, China and Afghanistan respectively.
Uzbekistan, backed by their fans, dominated but could not find a way past Iran as the first half ended 0-0.
Uzbekistan, runner-up in the 2022 edition, finally broke the deadlock in the 74th minute courtesy of Abbosbek Fayzullaev’s effort to seal the win and a place in the 2024 Finals.
Iran finished fifth in the second-best teams and failed to qualify for the AFC U-23 Asian Cup Qatar 2024 as the top four sides secured their place in the competition.
