AFC Asian Cup
The Central Asian side advanced to the Round of 16 four years ago and Tarkovic said being drawn in a tough Group F wouldn't deter his team from targeting a place in the Qatar 2023 knockout stage.
Factfile
FIFA World Ranking: 97
Previous Appearance: 1
Best Finish: Round of 16
2019 Result: Round of 16
Head Coach: Stefan Tarkovic (SVK)
Fun Fact: Kyrgyz Republic’s debut appearance at the 2019 Finals came at their fifth attempt, having first tried to qualify for the 1996 edition
Previous Appearance: 1
Best Finish: Round of 16
2019 Result: Round of 16
Head Coach: Stefan Tarkovic (SVK)
Fun Fact: Kyrgyz Republic’s debut appearance at the 2019 Finals came at their fifth attempt, having first tried to qualify for the 1996 edition
Kyrgyz Republic punched above their weight in the 2019 edition as they advanced to the Round of 16 despite being drawn in a group which included Korea Republic and China PR.
Despite losing to both teams, the Central Asian side refused to give up and a spectacular performance against the Philippines in their final group match saw them walking away with a 3-1 win, which was enough to secure them a place in the knockout stage.
Round of 16: UAE vs Kyrgyz Republic
Their adventure was ended by the United Arab Emirates, but only after a valiant performance with the hosts needing extra time to advance 3-2.
A much more experienced squad will be at Qatar 2023 and Kyrgyz Republic's Group F opponents will do well to not take them lightly.
Kyrgyz Republic's Group F fixtures
16 January
v Thailand (17:30 local time, Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium)
21 January
v Saudi Arabia (20:30 local time, Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium)
25 January
v Oman (18:00 local time, Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium)
16 January
v Thailand (17:30 local time, Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium)
21 January
v Saudi Arabia (20:30 local time, Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium)
25 January
v Oman (18:00 local time, Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium)
