Ten-man Uzbekistan defeats Iran to lift Al Ain Cup

No goals were scored during regular time in the final match of the Al Ain Cup international tournament, held in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The Uzbekistan national team secured victory in the penalty shootout.

The Al Ain Cup international tournament, which featured four national teams, concluded in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

On 18 November, Uzbekistan faced Iran in the final.

Fabio Cannavaro’s side showed a slight advantage in the first half, but Otabek Shukurov, Oston Urunov and Eldor Shomurodov failed to convert promising chances.

The second half was more balanced. In the 72nd minute, defender Abdukodir Khusanov was sent off for stopping an Iranian player who was moving one-on-one toward the goalkeeper. After the red card, Iran took full control of the match, but could not find the net.

Uzbekistan won the penalty shootout 4:3.

On 17 November, Egypt and Cape Verde met in the third-place playoff. Regular time ended 1:1, and Egypt won the shootout 2:0.