Alkass Digital
Uzbekistan’s Navbahor edged Qatar’s Al Wakrah 1-0 in extra time yesterday to advance to the AFC Champions League group stage.
After a goalless 90 minutes at the Al Janoub Stadium, second half substitute Doniyor Abdumannopov sealed the win for Navbahor in the 98th minute.
Navbahor were the early aggressors when Asad Sobirjonov tried to catch Al Wakrah napping in the fifth minute by playing a through ball to Ibrohim Yoldoshev, who was however flagged offside.Al Wakrah came alive two minutes later with forward Mohamed Benyettou forcing a save from Navbahor keeper Utkir Yusupov after Murad Naji’s dangerous cross into the box.
It was end to end action as Navbahor came close to scoring in the ninth minute when Toma Tabatadze was denied by Omair Al Sayed, in what would be the Uzbekistan’s side only shot on goal for the remainder of the half.
Al Wakrah wasted numerous chances to score with Hamdy Fathy missing a headed attempt, while Ahmed Fadel and Lucas Mendes had their efforts foiled by Yusupov.
Benyettou almost found a way through in the 34th minute when his header just missed the target, while Fathy saw his chance to break the deadlock foiled again at the stroke of half-time.
Navbahor were the better side in the second half, first testing Al Sayed in the 54th minute through Sobirjonov before forcing a fine save from the custodian following Temurkhuja Abdukholikov’s shot from distance in the 76th minute. Navbahor were then given a numerical advantage in the 86th minute following Khald Youssef Shurrab’s dismissal after a second yellow card as the game went into extra time.
Navbahor’s patience was finally rewarded in the 98th minute when substitute Abdumannopov rifled home his effort from an acute angle, finishing off Shakhboz Djurabekov set-up to seal the victory and earn the Uzbekistan side their maiden appearance in the group stage.