- Date: 10th September 2024
- Kick-off: 19:30
- Venue: Dolen Omurzakov Stadium, Bishkek
- Result: Kyrgyz Republic 2-3 Uzbekistan
- Referee: Ahmed Al Alili
In the Group A clash of the FIFA World Cup 26™ AFC Qualifiers, the Kyrgyz Republic National Football Team hosted the Uzbekistan National Football Team at the Dolen Omurzakov Stadium, Bishkek. The match was anticipated to be a thrilling contest as both teams aimed to secure vital points on their road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The head-to-head record prior to the match favored Uzbekistan, having won five out of their last ten encounters, with Kyrgyz Republic yet to claim victory.
Kyrgyz Republic National Football Team vs Uzbekistan National Football Team Head-to-Head
| Team | Wins | Draws | Losses |
| Kyrgyz Republic | 0 | 5 | 5 |
| Uzbekistan | 5 | 5 | 0 |
Kyrgyz Republic National Football Team vs Uzbekistan National Football Team Lineups
Kyrgyz Republic National Football Team (5-3-2)
- Goalkeeper: Erzhan Tokotayev
- Defenders: Valerii Kichin (C), Tamirlan Kozubaev, Khristiyan Brauzman
- Midfielders: Odilzhon Abdurakhmanov, Eldiyar Zarypbekov, Alimardon Shukurov, Kimi Merk (89′), Said Datsiev (88′)
- Forwards: Joel Kojo (79′), Ernest Batyrkanov (79′), Kairat Zhyrgalbek (61′)
Substitutes:
- Sultan Chomoev
- Gulzhigit Alykulov (61′)
- Suyuntbek Mamyraliev (79′)
- Ermek Kenzhebaev (79′)
Uzbekistan National Football Team (5-3-2)
- Goalkeeper: Utkir Yusupov
- Defenders: Rustamjon Ashurmatov (C), Abdulla Abdulllayev (62′), Umar Eshmurodov, Husniddin Aliqulov
- Midfielders: Otabek Shukurov, Odiljon Hamrobekov, Jaloliddin Masharipov (75′)
- Forwards: Oston Urunov (89′), Eldor Shomurodov (89′)
Substitutes:
- Azizbek Turgunboev (62′)
- Hojimat Erkinov (89′)
- Abbosbek Fayzullaev (75′)
Kyrgyz Republic National Football Team vs Uzbekistan National Football Team First Half Summary
The match began with intensity as both teams sought early control of the game. In the 15th minute, Joel Kojo opened the scoring for the Kyrgyz Republic, giving the home fans reason to cheer. However, Uzbekistan quickly responded through Eldor Shomurodov just two minutes later, equalizing at 1-1. The match continued to be closely contested, with both teams pressing hard. In the 35th minute, Kyrgyz Republic regained the lead when Odilzhon Abdurakhmanov scored from close range, taking the score to 2-1. As the half was about to conclude, Uzbekistan leveled the game again through a well-timed header by Husniddin Aliqulov.
- Half-time: Kyrgyz Republic 2-2 Uzbekistan
Kyrgyz Republic National Football Team vs Uzbekistan National Football Team Second Half Summary
The second half started with both teams creating chances, but it was Uzbekistan that looked the more dangerous. Oston Urunov netted a crucial goal in the 72nd minute, assisted by Shomurodov, putting Uzbekistan ahead for the first time in the match. Kyrgyz Republic pressed hard for an equalizer, but the Uzbek defense stood firm, denying any clear-cut chances. The match intensified in the closing minutes, with Kyrgyz Republic pushing men forward, but Uzbekistan held on to claim all three points.
- Full-time: Kyrgyz Republic 2-3 Uzbekistan
Kyrgyz Republic National Football Team vs Uzbekistan National Football Team Stats
| KGZ vs Uzbekistan Stats | Kyrgyz Republic | Uzbekistan |
| Goals | 2 | 3 |
| Shots | 14 | 12 |
| Shots on Target | 6 | 7 |
| Possession (%) | 47 | 53 |
| Fouls | 12 | 14 |
| Yellow Cards | 0 | 2 |
| Red Cards | 0 | 0 |
| Corners | 5 | 6 |
| Offsides | 2 | 1 |
Kyrgyz Republic National Football Team vs Uzbekistan National Football Team Timeline
- 15′ – GOAL! Kyrgyz Republic 1-0 Uzbekistan: Joel Kojo scores after receiving a brilliant cross from Alimardon Shukurov.
- 17′ – GOAL! Kyrgyz Republic 1-1 Uzbekistan: Eldor Shomurodov equalizes for Uzbekistan after a well-placed through ball from Otabek Shukurov.
- 35′ – GOAL! Kyrgyz Republic 2-1 Uzbekistan: Odilzhon Abdurakhmanov puts Kyrgyz Republic back in front with a powerful header.
- 45′ – GOAL! Kyrgyz Republic 2-2 Uzbekistan: Husniddin Aliqulov levels the match just before half-time with a perfectly timed header.
- 72′ – GOAL! Kyrgyz Republic 2-3 Uzbekistan: Oston Urunov scores the match-winner after a beautiful one-two with Shomurodov.
Kyrgyz Republic National Football Team vs Uzbekistan National Football Team Impact on Points Table
Uzbekistan’s victory lifted them to the top of Group A, while Kyrgyz Republic’s loss left them in a difficult position, needing to secure points in their remaining fixtures. This match significantly bolstered Uzbekistan’s qualification hopes for the FIFA World Cup 26™, while Kyrgyz Republic faced an uphill battle to stay in contention.
Man of the Match
The Man of the Match award went to Eldor Shomurodov, whose equalizer and assist were crucial in Uzbekistan’s hard-fought victory.
The FIFA World Cup 26™ AFC Qualifiers Group A encounter between the Kyrgyz Republic National Football Team and the Uzbekistan National Football Team was a thrilling contest, with Uzbekistan emerging victorious in a 3-2 win. The match saw moments of brilliance from both sides, but Uzbekistan’s clinical finishing ultimately made the difference. Kyrgyz Republic will need to regroup and prepare for their upcoming fixtures, while Uzbekistan can take confidence from their strong performance as they edge closer to World Cup qualification.
