“A confident Uzbekistan is not afraid to face host Saudi Arabia in the U17 Asian Cup final,” AFC commented ahead of the rematch.
Uzbekistan U17 is favored, having soundly defeated Saudi Arabia U17 3-0 in the group stage. Coach Islombek Ismoilov’s team has won all five matches on their way to the final, while Saudi Arabia U17 struggled to overcome Japan and South Korea in penalty shootouts in the quarter-finals and semi-finals.
Coaches and players from Uzbekistan U17 and Saudi Arabia U17 at a press conference before the final (Photo: AFC).
“Coach Islombek Ismoilov has led his team through an impressive run, winning all five matches on the way to the final. With the players in peak condition, he will seek to conclude the tournament with another victory.”
The two teams met in the group stage, with Uzbekistan emerging victorious 3-0. However, Ismoilov doesn’t want to dwell on that result.
“This match won’t be easy for either team tactically or mentally. We aim to give our best in the match and seek victory as in any other match we’ve played in this tournament.
Uzbekistan U17 respects all opponents, but fears none. We have our own style and have proven that we can defeat the strongest opponents as seen in our match against North Korea U17,” said Coach Islombek Ismoilov.
Host Saudi Arabia U17 lost 0-3 to Uzbekistan U17 in the group stage (Photo: AFC).
Regarding the host team, AFC noted: “Compared to their opponent, Saudi Arabia U17 has had a more challenging journey to reach the final, overcoming Japan and South Korea through penalty shootouts in the quarter-finals and semi-finals.
Like his counterpart, Coach Mario da Silva doesn’t believe the group stage result will impact the outcome. Despite the intense effort over the past week, he sees it as a testament to his players’ superb physical condition.”
