“Before the match, our only target was to win and lift the trophy, but unfortunately we couldn’t achieve it,” said Kapadze. 

“I believe my boys did their best. I want to apologise to our fans, but I believe we can do better in the next tournament and lift the trophy. 

“I’m proud of every single player. They tried their best and I believe they can still improve and do better but I am very happy." 

Kapadze said playing against Asia’s best teams was a valuable experience for his side ahead of the AFC U23 Asian Cup 2024, which will also serve as qualification to the Paris Olympics. 

“We selected only young players, so this tournament has been useful for all my players to gain experience. 

“We will continue to do our best to prepare them well for the next tournament, because our mission is to book a ticket to the Olympics.” 

The work towards 2024 will continue almost immediately for Kapadze, who is also the head coach of the Olympic Tashkent club - where the majority of the Uzbekistan U23 players play their club football - as they resume their Uzbek Super League season against AGMK FC on Wednesday. 

“Some of our players are tired, so I will give a chance to others who haven’t had that much playing time. I will do my best to prepare them physically and emotionally so that we can continue our participation in the domestic league.”