Qatar’s three-match winning streak came to an end after they lost 0-2 to Uzbekistan in an international friendly in Tashkent yesterday. At the Bunyodkor Stadium, the hosts were much better team as they controlled the game right from the start.
But they had to wait till second half to score. Odil Ahmedov found the net in the 73rd minute before Marat Bikmaev’s terrific chip thirteen minutes later clinched the tie for Uzbekistan.
The defeat was Qatar’s first in four matches, having beaten Ecuador, China and Palestine earlier in their buildup to the AFC Asian Cup in UAE in January next year. Felix Sanchez’s men are scheduled to meet Switzerland and Iceland in friendlies in November.
Qatar ranked 13th to Uzbekistan’s 14th in Asia, went toe-to-toe in the opening minutes, promising a cagey 90 minutes. Qatar threatened through in-form Almoez Ali early on but Uzbekistan’s defenders were quick to deny the livewire from making any attempts on goal. The stalemate continued well into the second half, with skipper Ahmedov breaking the deadlock in 73rd minute as he headed home Akmal Shorakhmedov’s cross from the right flank.
But Qatar had a chance to hit back in the very next minute. Almoez, who picked up a pass from midfield, ran in from the left flank towards the box where he dodged two Uzbek defenders and goalkeeper to pass it to Ahmed Alaaeldin. But substitute Alaaeldin’s shot was brilliantly cleared by Oleg Zoteev from the goal line. 
While Qatar tired their best with captain Hassan al-Haydous leading the attack, Uzbekistan defence were solid throughout the game. Even as the rain started to fall, Uzbekistan sealed victory in the 86th minute following a counter-attack that saw Ahmedov surging down the middle before passing the ball forward to Bikmaev, who lobbed the ball over goalkeeper Yousef Hassan. Uzbekistan had beaten DPR Korea 2-0 last Saturday. 
Qatar coach Sanchez expected it to be a tough encounter and that is precisely what he got in Tashkent, even though he released some of Al Sadd players, who are preparing for next Tuesday’s AFC Champions League second leg semi-final against Persepolis in Iran. 
The Spaniard has said Qatar’s preparations for the Asian were continuing apace and the friendlies would give him a clearer picture as to the make-up of the squad for prestigious Asian Cup. 
Sanchez will have much bigger task ahead as he prepares his team to take on tougher opponents Switzerland and Iceland in friendlies in November. Qatar are in Group E at the Asian Cup along with Saudi Arabia, Lebanon and DPR Korea.