Alkass Digital
The tie is a rematch of the 2022 final, where Saudi Arabia emerged victorious, setting the stage for an intense game with Uzbekistan head coach Timur Kapadze confident of turning the tables after a dominant showing to top Group D.
“We are really happy to reach the knockout stage, and this will be a really important match for both teams,” said Kapadze. “Of course our opponents are a strong team. We’ve already analysed their strengths and weaknesses, and we’ve got our own strategy to overcome them.
“We played Saudi Arabia two years ago, and I think both teams have changed and improved since. I know their coach, so we have enough experience to be ready for the match tomorrow. I believe that experience will help us.”
As Kapadze prepares for every possibility, the Uzbekistan squad has been strengthened by Abdukodir Khusanov and Ibrokhimkhalil Yuldoshev, who have been released by their clubs in France and Russia respectively.
“Both players played in the last game, and their presence will only improve the team. I will seek the advice of my staff if they are ready to play, so we will see. We are preparing for every detail, which also includes extra time and penalties.”
Saudi Arabia, after a surprise 2-1 loss to Iraq, finished second in Group C, but head coach Saad Al Shehri is focused on leveraging his team’s extensive experience against Uzbekistan.
“We have a good number of players who participated in the previous edition present with us, they have enough experience,” said Al Shehri. “We also have players who played with the senior team in the AFC Asian Cup™ and FIFA World Cup Qualifiers. All the requirements of the Saudi Arabia team are there for us to keep moving forward."
“Losing against Iraq will hopefully not impact us, but instead motivate us as the real competition starts tomorrow.”
As anticipation builds, Al Shehri called on his young Green Falcons to embrace the challenge.
“Every team knows every other team after the three matches. The decisive element will be how prepared each individual player is, and their willingness to adapt to the tactical requirements."
“I hope our team will rise to the occasion. We are looking at this as the final. This generation of players will be better. We’ve won it before, so hopefully we can win it again and qualify for the Olympics.”
Uzbekistan v Saudi Arabia
Venue: Khalifa International Stadium (Doha)
Kick-off: Friday, 17:00 (UTC+3)