Asadbek Sobirjonov's 68th minute strike helped Uzbekistan score a hard-fought solitary goal win over Yemen to qualify for the quarter-finals from Group D in the AFC U-16 Championship here today.
After a barren first half, Uzbekistan scored in the 68th minute through Asadbek Sobirjonov to notch up their second consecutive win and thus lead the group with six points from two matches.
Uzbekistan became the second team to qualify for the next round after Japan from Group B. They now play their last match against DPR Korea on September 23.
Yemen, clearly the better side in the second half, were themselves to be blamed as they missed close chances which saw them suffer their second successive defeat and thus bow out of the competition.
The first half was a cagey affair with neither of the two teams showing urgency in their attack which saw play confined to midfield for most the part with few scoring opportunities.
Yemen almost equalised in the final 10 minutes when substitute Ahmed Maher headed against the woodwork but Uzbekistan survived and will now win Group D if they defeat DPR Korea on Friday.
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