Uzbekistan secures 3-2 victory over Kyrgyzstan, leading Group A in WC-2026 qualifiers

Kyrgyzstan struck first, with Dynamo forward Joel Kojo finding the back of the net in the 15th minute to give the home side an early advantage. However, Uzbekistan wasted no time in responding, as Eldor Shomurodov equalized almost immediately, bringing the score to 1-1.

In the 35th minute, Odiljon Abdurakhmonov restored the lead for Kyrgyzstan, sending the crowd into a frenzy as the score shifted to 2-1. Just before halftime, Sherzod Nasrullayev delivered a well-placed cross, which Husniddin Alikulov headed home to level the match once again at 2-2.

The second half saw Uzbekistan assert its dominance, with coach Srečko Katanec’s squad controlling the game. Their persistent pressure finally paid off in the 72nd minute when Shomurodov provided a pinpoint pass to Oston Urunov, who skillfully converted it into the match-winning goal.

With this result, Uzbekistan has secured two consecutive wins, placing them at the top of Group A with 6 points. Elsewhere in the group, North Korea and Qatar played to a 2-2 draw in their opening match, while the UAE is set to face Iran later today.