Sergeev’s double gives Uzbekistan victory over Turkmenistan in CAFA Nations Cup

The Pakhtakor striker put Uzbekistan ahead in the 37th minute, converting a pass from Ruslan Jiyanov. Just seven minutes later, he doubled the lead from the penalty spot to complete his brace.

The match turned more complicated for the hosts after the interval. In the 59th minute, defender Farrukh Sayfiev was sent off for accidentally kicking the Turkmen goalkeeper in the head while attempting to control the ball. Playing with ten men, Uzbekistan conceded late in the game, but Turkmenistan’s goal was not enough to change the outcome.

With the win, Uzbekistan moved to four points in Group A, level with Oman at the top of the standings. Kyrgyzstan and Turkmenistan trail with one point each.

The group stage concludes on 5 September, when Uzbekistan faces Kyrgyzstan and Oman takes on Turkmenistan.

In Group B, matches are being held in Tajikistan, where Iran leads with six points. India and Tajikistan have three points apiece, while Afghanistan is yet to collect a point. The group winners will progress to the final, while the second-placed teams will compete for third place.