Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
It was just approaching the hour mark in the opening match of the 2011 AFC Asian Cup between Uzbekistan and host nation Qatar.
The Uzbeks had been dominant, but the match remained scoreless. Server Djeparov picked the ball up on the left wing, and played it inside to Aziz Haydarov in midfield. Laying the ball back, Odil Ahmedov steamed in, and from at least 35 yards out, smashed the ball into the back of the net. “What a way to score the opening goal of the Asian Cup!” screamed Australian commentator Simon Hill.
The 2011 Asian Cup was Odil Ahmedov’s breakout tournament. As Uzbekistan finished on top of Group A, Ahmedov scored two goals in the group stage before Uzbekistan exited the tournament in the semi finals. The first, of course, was that trademark thunderbolt strike from considerable distance. But his second, against China in a 2-2 draw, showed another side to his game, as he exchanged quick passes and poked the ball home from close range.
Although he is known for his tough tackling, Ahmedov also possesses exquisite technical skill, and it was this technical ability that attracted the attention of Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger and a host of other European clubs following the Asian Cup tournament.
Equally adept in the midfield or at centre back, Ahmedov moved from Uzbek club Pakhtakor Tashkent to Russian club Anzhi Makhachkala in 2011. At Anzhi he scored on debut in a friendly match, and was named player of the season in 2011. With superstars Samuel Eto’o and Yuri Zhirkov both in the side, this is a considerable feat for Ahmedov.
The Uzbekistan midfielder spent three seasons with Anzhi, but after they were relegated he joined up-and-coming Russian club Kuban Krasnodar. There he has joined with fellow Uzbek Nikolay Markov, and is participating in the Europa League.
Since September Uzbekistan has played many friendly matches, and Ahmedov scored two goals in their 3-1 win over New Zealand. Placed in a group with China, DPR Korea and Saudi Arabia, Uzbekistan will have a good opportunity to progress past the group stage of the 2015 Asian Cup.
Ahmedov is one of the more experienced Uzbekistan players, even at the age of 26. He’ll be 27 by the time the Asian Cup comes around, and the midfielder will be crucial to his side chances. Their best ever result was in 2011, where they finished in fourth place. No doubt Ahmedov will be hoping to improve on that in Australia.
Photo: AFP