Tashkent, Uzbekistan — Uzbekistan go face Kyrgyzstan for World Cup Qualifying match on Thursday, March 20, 2025, for AFC qualifiers wey go happen for Milliy Stadioni. As White Wolves dey push for automatic spot for Group A, dem need to win this match make dem no lose ground.
Uzbekistan don show strong form for dis qualification series, losing only one of dem last 10 matches, with seven wins and two draws. Dem small hiccup na 3-2 defeat wey dem get against Qatar last November. Last match, dem draw 0-0 with Jordan for friendly, but dem manage carry three points comot after dem beat North Korea 1-0 for World Cup qualifiers.
The White Wolves dey currently sit second for Group A with 13 points from six matches. Dem dey feel the pressure because United Arab Emirates dey just three points behind dem. But one good news be say, Uzbekistan never lose match for their home ground since June 2023, and dem fans dey anticipate another big win on Thursday to potentially level up with group leaders Iran.
On the other hand, Kyrgyzstan dey face serious challenge as dem don lose almost all the matches for Group A, except one. Them come enter this game low on confidence after dem lose 3-2 at home to Iran for November. Dem fight back to level the score from a two-goal deficit, only to lose to a late strike.
Now, dem sit fifth for the group with just three points, four points behind Qatar wey dey occupy the fourth position for playoff spots. If dem fit turn things around on Thursday, they could pressure Qatar, but if dem lose again, dem fit finish at the bottom.
Uzbekistan dey go into dis match without their center-back wey get red card against North Korea, so coach Kapadze go rearrange hin defense. We fit expect say, Alizhonov and Abdullaev go take position for the back line alongside other defenders. For Kyrgyzstan, striker Alykulov wey don score penalty twice against Iran go lead the attack, while dem captain go try hold down the defense.
As dem prepare for dis important match, Uzbekistan expectations dey high to maintain dem position for the top two. With dem strong home record, dem believe say dem go carry all three points against a struggling Kyrgyzstan side.
