April 22 – Uzbekistan clinched a second AFC U17 Asian Cup title on Sunday night in Taif, overcoming a two-man disadvantage to defeat host nation Saudi Arabia 2-0 in a pulsating final that underlined their rising stature in Asian youth football.
The Young White Wolves were forced to play the entire second half with nine men after a chaotic end to the first period saw both forward Nurbek Sarsenbaev and defender Miraziz Abdukarimov sent off. But Islombek Ismoilov’s side defied the odds — and the numbers — to deliver a tactically disciplined performance to take them over the line.
Defender Mukhammad Khakimov opened the scoring from the penalty spot six minutes after the interval, before winger Sadriddin Khasanov put the match beyond reach with a brilliant solo goal midway through the second half. The 70th-minute strike capped an outstanding tournament for the 17-year-old, who was later named the competition’s Most Valuable Player.
Uzbekistan had entered the final as one of the tournament’s most consistent teams, and their victory continued a remarkable run of form at youth level. They have now reached the quarter-finals or better at seven of the past eight editions of the AFC U17 Asian Cup, and last year impressed at the FIFA U17 World Cup in Indonesia — where they also progressed to the last eight.
Their triumph also confirmed their place among the AFC’s nine representatives at the 2025 FIFA U17 World Cup in Qatar, alongside the hosts and fellow qualifiers Indonesia, Japan, Korea DPR, Korea Republic, Saudi Arabia, Tajikistan and the United Arab Emirates.
In addition to Khasanov’s MVP award, Uzbekistan swept the major individual honours. Asilbek Aliev finished as the tournament’s top scorer, while stopper Nematulloh Rustamjonov was named Best Goalkeeper. Saudi Arabia, who played with attacking verve throughout the tournament and finished runners-up on home soil, received the Fair Play Award.
AFC President Shaikh Salman said: “The AFC U17 Asian Cup has served as an instrumental springboard, propelling so many of Asia’s emerging talents into future icons. On behalf of the Asian football family, I offer my heartfelt congratulations to Uzbekistan, for not only clinching their second title, but also inspiring the Continent with their riveting performances.
“Our praise also goes to Saudi Arabia for their valiant efforts as well as the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) and the Uzbekistan Football Association (UFA). The qualification of both their U17 and U20 sides for the corresponding age-group FIFA World Cups later this year reinforces the commitment to long-term excellence displayed by both the SAFF and the UFA.
“Asia will once again provide an outstanding backdrop for the rising stars of tomorrow for the next five years in Qatar and we wish our record nine Asian teams the very best of success, and we know that they will stand proud with the world’s elite.”
Contact the writer of this story, Harry Ewing, at moc.l1745321752labto1745321752ofdlr1745321752owedi1745321752sni@g1745321752niwe.1745321752yrrah1745321752