AFC U17 Asian Cup
The Central Asian side refused to concede defeat despite trailing throughout the match but the point was not enough for them to finish top with Saudi Arabia winning the group on goal difference.
The hosts will face China PR in the quarter-finals while Tajikistan will play Japan.
The hosts will face China PR in the quarter-finals while Tajikistan will play Japan.
Saudi Arabia threatened through Nawaf Al Huwiri as early as the second minute from a set-piece situation with Tajikistan responding two minutes later when Asadbek Makhtumov struck the crossbar from the right side of the box after being set up by Komiljon Sharipov.
Tajikistan continued to push forward and created another opportunity in the ninth minute when Parviz Bobonazarov saw his shot blocked before Munavar Anvarzod fired over the bar from inside the area.
The Central Asian side were made to pay for the missed chances four minutes later after Yahya Saeed audaciously lobbed the ball from a tight angle on the left flank, sending the ball over goalkeeper Abubakr Rahmonqulov and into the top right corner.
Ali Al Shamrani then etched his name on the scoresheet with a cool finish from a well-worked move after being teed up by Abdullah Al Dawsari in the 18th minute.
An undaunted Tajikistan forced their way back into the tie in the 27th minute after their high press allowed Anvarzod to intercept Ahmad Ishak’s back-pass, with the midfielder then calmly finishing past goalkeeper Abdullah Al Mas.
Saudi Arabia took just six minutes to restore their two-goal lead after Abdullah Al Dawsari won a penalty, with Ali Al Shamrani converting into the bottom left corner.
The West Asian side scored their fourth in the 39th minute, with Zaid Al Buri finishing Ahmad Ishak's assist with a shot from the centre of the box into the bottom left corner.
However, Tajikistan refused to back down and narrowed the deficit in the 44th minute when Asadbek Makhtumov latched onto Parviz Sanginov’s deft through pass before slotting the ball into the bottom right corner.
Group A: Saudi Arabia v Tajikistan
Item 1 of 8
Tajikistan emerged from the break with renewed urgency and needed just four minutes to score their third with Parviz Sanginov delivering a free-kick into the area, with Musaed Al Shammari blocking Parviz Bobonazarov’s effort only for Anvarzod to turn the ball home from close range.
However, Saudi Arabia restored their two-goal advantage in the 54th minute when Faisal Bayomi headed home from close range after Nawaf Al Huwiri flicked on Tameem Siraj’s free-kick delivery.
Tajikistan refused to give up and responded with their fourth in the 83rd minute with Sanginov sending a powerful shot from inside the box into the bottom right corner.
Boosted by the goal and with Saudi Arabia struggling to hold them off, Mirahmadov struck a cracker from distance in the fifth minute of stoppage time to force the sensational draw.
Related News
- AFC U17 Asian Cup
#AFCU17 - Group A: Thailand 2-2 Myanmar
- AFC U17 Asian Cup
#AFCU17 - Group B: Japan 3-1 Indonesia
- AFC U17 Asian Cup
#AFCU17 - Group B: China PR 2-0 Qatar
- AFC Challenge League
Final - Preview: Kuwait SC (KUW) v Preah Khan Reach Svay Rieng FC (CAM)
- AFC Champions League Elite
#ACLElite: Vote for your Future Star of the Season – Presented by NEOM
Item 1 of 5