Khaydarov targets more glory for Uzbekistan

Andrey Sidorov claimed the winner with virtually the final kick of a game that went into extra-time to give Uzbekistan the title for the first time and their first trophy at continental level since winning the AFC U16 Championship in 2010.

Uzbekistan’s only other continental title came in 1994 when the newly-inducted AFC member claimed the gold medal at the Asian Games and Khaydarov believes the win can spur the country onto greater success after some difficult years at senior level.

“We made history today and it’s one of the greatest victories for Uzbekistan football and for our country,” he said. 

“I haven’t thought too much about the significance, but this trophy can be very good for the future. This team is the future of our senior team. Over the last few years we didn’t see any trophies and we can’t say that we have played in a satisfactory way at the tournaments that we have played. 

“So this is very important for us. But I haven’t thought too much about it because I’m emotional.”