Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Yangon: Ahmed Al Hashmi's last-gasp header saved the United Arab Emirates a vital point and denied Uzbekistan the right of becoming the first team to qualify for AFC U-19 Championship quarter-finals, in the 2-2 Group B draw played at Thuwunna Youth Training Centre Stadium on Sunday.
The UAE went ahead through Abdalla Ghanim's header in the 25th minute, only for Uzbekistan to respond with two headed goals of their own through Eldor Shomurodov and Zabikhillo Urinboev either side of half-time. But it was ultimately the head of substitute Al Hashmi that concluded the scoring in second-half stoppage time.
The result leaves the group wide open as UAE face eliminated Indonesia at Wunna Theikdi Stadium in Nay Pyi Taw on Tuesday while Uzbekistan play Australia who, after their 1-0 victory over Indonesia earlier in the day, will also be competing for a place in the knockout stage.
"We had a number of chances but we couldn't convert and it made our players and the coaching staff very nervous towards the end of the game," said Uzbekistan coach Ravshan Khaydarov, whose side topped Indonesia 3-1 in their tournament opener.
"If I were to compare this game to the last, I think we have improved, we had a key player injured and despite this the team played well.
"The UAE were very good in converting their chances and I think we must learn from them in this way."
Uzbekistan started the livelier of the two sides with Dostonbek Khamdamov having a goal disallowed, as his on target free-kick on four minutes was ruled out due to an infringement in the box.
The White Wolves continued to dominate the early period, attacking particularly through Urinboev who threatened the box a number of times and dragged a shot wide in the 12th minute.
But it was a 25th minute free-kick from Khalfan Mubarak that broke the deadlock, as the UAE captain found defender Ghanim climbing above his rivals for the ball and heading into the back of the net.
Uzbekistan almost immediately pulled back level when a dangerous Shomurodov pass across the box was cleared high over the bar by Ghanim returning to his defensive duties.
And it was Shomurodov arriving late on the far post in the 44th minute, screaming for his teammate to duck out of the way and allow him to head a bouncing ball into the back of the net that finally put Uzbekistan on the scoreboard.
In the second half, Uzbekistan came out determined to secure their place in the quarter-finals and in the 53rd minute it was Urinboev arriving at the far post to head in the team's second goal from a ball delivered along the byline.
The Emirates could have been back on terms when Ahmed Rabia found himself stood alone on the penalty spot in the 66th minute, only to kick the ball over the crossbar with the goal beckoning.
Urinboev could have put the game beyond doubt a minute from the end when with only UAE keeper Mohammaed Busanda to beat, he placed the ball wide.
It seemed as though Uzbekistan would be the first team to qualify for the next round, but a hotly contested corner, three minutes into stoppage time, found the fourth successful header of the day for Al Hashmi, to secure a last gasp equalizer for the UAE.
"We are very happy that the last minute result has lifted our spirits and now we have a real chance for qualification," said UAE coach Abdullah Ahmed Mesfer.
"Today our best players were not in form, so we're happy to secure the one point but we definitely had enough chances for all three."