AFC U20 Asian Cup

The eight teams were divided into two groups with the top two sides from each group to join the three highest-seeded teams from the AFC U-19 Women’s Championship Thailand 2019 - Japan, DPR Korea, and Korea Republic – as well as host nation Uzbekistan in the Finals.

The victory capped an unbeaten campaign for the Central Asians as they also progressed to May’s FIFA U20 World Cup in Indonesia for what will be their fifth appearance at the global showpiece.

As the dust settles on a hugely successful continental competition in the Central Asian nation, the-AFC.com highlights some of the numbers that stood out from Uzbekistan 2023.

A total of 69 goals were scored in 31 matches across the cities of Tashkent and Fergana, at a ratio of 2.23 per match. the-AFC.com has selected eight of the finest goals from the tournament and asks you, the fans, to vote for your favourite at the foot of the article.

Captain Umarali Rakhmonaliev scored from the penalty spot 18 minutes from time to earn the title for Uzbekistan as the inspirational Khaydarov added the AFC U20 Asian Cup to the AFC U23 Asian Cup™ trophy he won for his nation in China in 2018.

Mohammed’s side were crestfallen after suffering a narrow 1-0 defeat in the final at Bunyodkor Stadium against Uzbekistan, but the former striker was already setting his sights on the future after Umarali Rakhmonaliev’s penalty earned the hosts the title.

Fayzullaev put in a sparkling performance throughout the tournament and played a key role in Uzbekistan winning the title for the first time.

The FC Tokyo striker's five goals played a major part in Japan advancing to the semi-finals and booking a spot in the FIFA U20 World Cup Indonesia 2023.

The goalkeeper not only pulled out all the saves to deny Iraq in the final but his overall performance throughout the tournament played a major role in Uzbekistan winning the title for the first time.

Captain Rakhmonaliev stroked his 72nd minute spot-kick down the middle as Iraqi goalkeeper Hussein Hasan dived to his right after Abbosbek Fayzullaev had been upended in the box to earn Uzbekistan their first-ever title at this level.

The win means Uzbekistan join Japan, Korea Republic, Saudi Arabia and Iraq as the only nations to have won the Asian title at the U17, U20 and U23 levels and Ravshan Khaydarov’s side will go to the FIFA U20 World Cup in Indonesia in May as the continental champions.