China PR had opened their campaign with a 2-1 loss against Saudi Arabia while Uzbekistan defeated Thailand 4-1 but both sides struggled to impose themselves under the conditions, with Liu Jiale flashing his effort wide of the mark in the game’s first attempt. 

Liu came closer to scoring in the 28th minute, but the midfielder’s effort was blocked by the covering Uzbekistan defenders.

China PR, however, took the lead just five minutes later through Zhang Chengrui, with the midfielder having the simple task of finishing from close range after Wei Xiangxin saw his shot saved by Uzbekistan goalkeeper Nematulloh Rustamjonov.

Buniyaming Abudoushalamu almost doubled their advantage with a curling effort that flashed inches wide after Wang Yi found him with a sublime pass.

The miss proved costly as Sadriddin Khasanov drew Uzbekistan level in stoppage time with the midfielder prodding home from close range after Abdulloh Fazliddinov found him with a great cross.

The second half started out with Uzbekistan showing more urgency to take the game to China PR.

Things got a little heated in the 52nd minute as players from both teams exchanged words, with the referee issuing stern words to Ailnizhaer Luoherman and Muhammad Lhakimov.

Uzbekistan substitute Mukhammad Khabibullaev blasted over from close range just after the hour mark as the Central Asian side continued to pose a threat going forward.

Azizbek Abdumuminov fired straight at China PR goalkeeper Yihesan Yilamu in the 71st minute, before Jamshidbek Rustamov curled an effort wide as Uzbekistan pressed for a second goal.

Liu came close to regaining the lead for China PR, but saw his fierce strike flash wide off the mark.

Asilbek Aliev emerged Uzbekistan’s hero four minutes from time, as he expertly headed in Azizbek Abdumuminov’s cross into the top corner to confirm Uzbekistan’s status as the first team into the AFC U17 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2025 quarter-finals.