Despite receiving two red cards, Uzbekistan still won the U17 Asian Championship

U17 Asia - Photo 1.

U17 Uzbekistan played resiliently to win with only 9 players - Photo: UFA

At this year's AFC U17 Championship, Saudi Arabia is the host team. Therefore, in the final match, they have a huge advantage with the overwhelming support from the stands.

But U17 Uzbekistan showed no fear. Having beaten their opponents 3-0 in the group stage, coach Ismoilov's team played confidently, had a lot of possession of the ball and were ready to play an attacking game.

The two teams created many dangerous situations, making the match more exciting. But then at the end of the first half, disaster continued to strike U17 Uzbekistan.

In the 40th minute, striker Nurbek Sarsenbaev fell after a tackle. His leg hit a Saudi Arabia U17 player in the face. It was unclear whether the Uzbekistan player did it on purpose or not, but the referee showed him a red card despite many explanations.

Then in the 45+2 minute, the second red card appeared for U17 Uzbekistan. This time, center back Miraziz Abdukarimov knocked down Sabri Dahal while running down.

Ending the first half with an advantage of 2 players, U17 Saudi Arabia seemed to have secured victory. However, the scenario of the second half once again surprised many people.

U17 Asia - Photo 2.

U17 Saudi Arabia (blue shirt) is completely helpless despite having a big advantage - Photo: AFC

U17 Asia - Photo 3.

Khasanov celebrates making it 2-0 after a skillful dribble - Photo: UFA

With only 9 players on the field, U17 Uzbekistan still scored first. Everything stemmed from a regrettable mistake by Saudi Arabia defender Yazeed Al Dosari, when the ball touched his hand in the penalty area. From the penalty spot, Mukhammad Khakimov coolly opened the score in the 51st minute.

Taking the lead unexpectedly, U17 Uzbekistan immediately pulled the entire squad back to their own half, showing their intention to defend. There were times when U17 Saudi Arabia found space, but their shots were all blocked on the goal line by goalkeeper Rustamjonov and the opposing defenders.

Unable to score, the home team also conceded more goals. In the 70th minute, goalkeeper Rustamjonov kicked the ball accurately. Sadriddin Khasanov dribbled skillfully, eliminated two opposing players and then finished neatly to raise the score to 2-0 for U17 Uzbekistan.

In the remaining time, U17 Saudi Arabia was completely deadlocked despite playing with 2 more players. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan with their resilience maintained the score of 2-0 and won the U17 Asian Championship for the second time.