AFC Champions League Elite
Reaching the semi-finals is the best Uzbekistan clubs have managed on the highest stage of Asian club football, with four separate appearances achieved equally by Pakhtakor and FC Bunyodkor.
Uzbekistan football, however, is enjoying a purple patch - as highlighted by various national team age-group successes and a first FIFA World Cup appearance - and Akhmedov wants to see his nation’s clubs emulating the achievements.
Uzbekistan football, however, is enjoying a purple patch - as highlighted by various national team age-group successes and a first FIFA World Cup appearance - and Akhmedov wants to see his nation’s clubs emulating the achievements.
“Uzbekistan football is improving year by year,” said the former midfielder in an interview with the-AFC.com. “Strong teams always have good players. We have a lot of talented young players.
“There were many shortcomings before. It is better these days but there are still some weaknesses we can improve on.”
“There were many shortcomings before. It is better these days but there are still some weaknesses we can improve on.”
Pakhtakor - the team which Akhmedov made his debut for at 18 and spent five years with - are back on the continental stage with PFC Neftchi the Central Asian nation’s other representatives, with the former central midfielder urging both clubs to believe in themselves.
“Al Ahli (Saudi FC) are the champions and they are looking strong as well this time around but the Japanese and Korean teams will also be there to compete for the title.
“Pakhtakor and Neftchi will have a challenge on their hands but if they can produce good football, to be able to reach the semi-finals would represent a very good result for the clubs.”
“Al Ahli (Saudi FC) are the champions and they are looking strong as well this time around but the Japanese and Korean teams will also be there to compete for the title.
“Pakhtakor and Neftchi will have a challenge on their hands but if they can produce good football, to be able to reach the semi-finals would represent a very good result for the clubs.”
Akhmedov is no stranger to tough challenges, having played for Anzhi Makhachkala and FC Krasnodar in the Russian Premier League - with the likes ofRoberto Carlos and Samuel Eto’o his teammates at Anzhi.
He returned to Asian club football in 2017, joining Chinese Super League side Shanghai SIPG FC followed by stints with Tianjin Teda and Cangzhou Mighty Lions before hanging up his boots in 2021.
He returned to Asian club football in 2017, joining Chinese Super League side Shanghai SIPG FC followed by stints with Tianjin Teda and Cangzhou Mighty Lions before hanging up his boots in 2021.
Having earned over 100 caps with the Uzbekistan national team, Akhmedov is heartened by the recent developments and is confident the future is rosy for the sport in his country.
“The President of UFA has done a lot for football in Uzbekistan with his attention and support. He has built many academies and stadiums.
“The game is now developing properly in the country. We are regularly participating in Asian and world championships, with many players playing for foreign clubs so I’m confident that we will continue to grow.”
“The President of UFA has done a lot for football in Uzbekistan with his attention and support. He has built many academies and stadiums.
“The game is now developing properly in the country. We are regularly participating in Asian and world championships, with many players playing for foreign clubs so I’m confident that we will continue to grow.”
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