“Preparations for the competition went as we wanted and according to plan,” said Nishonov. “The Asian Cup will show how well we prepared. 

“Abdukodir Khusanov and Abbosbek Fayzullaev have excelled in the U-20 national team and they have raised the bar very high. Our goal is to maintain that level. 

“This competition is not a pressure, but an opportunity for players to show themselves. Our goal is to keep the bar high. Our first goal is to qualify for the World Cup, and then to become champions.”

Uzbekistan cruised through the Qualifiers, winning all four matches to top Group B at a canter, scoring 21 goals with only one conceded with Saidumarkhon Saidnurullayev leading the way with four goals.

Yemen also had an excellent qualifying campaign, missing out on the Group F top spot to Indonesia on goal difference with both sides finishing on seven points.

Having sealed qualification as one of the best five runners-up, head coach Mohammed Hassan Ali will be determined his side start on the right foot in their bid to win the title for the first time.

Venue: Shenzhen Youth Football Training Base Pitch 1 (Shenzhen)

Kick-off: Thursday, 17:15 (UTC+8)