Uzbekistan advance to AFC U17 final with dominant win over DPR Korea

Seeking their second title after triumphing in 2012, the Young White Wolves will face hosts Saudi Arabia in Sunday’s final. The Saudis defeated Korea Republic 3-1 on penalties after a 1-1 draw.

Both sides came into the semifinal with high-scoring records, and the match began at a fast pace. Uzbekistan nearly took the lead in the 9th minute through Abubakir Shukurullaev’s header, which was saved by DPR Korea goalkeeper Jong Hyon Ju.

DPR Korea's An Jin Sok threatened with a solo run, but the chance fizzled out. Uzbekistan then earned a penalty in the 26th minute after Sadriddin Khasanov was brought down, but captain Muminkhon Bakhhodirkhonov's effort was saved, and a VAR review ruled out a follow-up own goal.

Khasanov broke the deadlock in the 31st minute with a brilliant strike into the top corner. DPR Korea’s situation worsened when Kang Myong Bom received a second yellow card in the 40th minute, leaving them with 10 men.

Uzbekistan took full control after the break. Jamshidbek Rustamov doubled the lead in the 62nd minute with a fine curling shot, and Shukurullaev added the third just three minutes later after being set up by Khasanov.

DPR Korea missed a late chance to pull one back, but Uzbekistan’s dominant display sealed their place in the final.