Doha, Qatar: Saudi Arabia will begin their title defence at the AFC U23 Asian Cup Qatar 2024, hoping for a winning start against Tajikistan in a Group C match at Khalifa International Stadium.
As for Tajikistan head coach Mubin Ergashev, having a large number of players in the squad who are also part of the senior side has its own challenges.
Stay tuned as we bring you match highlights and a glimpse of the football atmosphere at the venue!
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Ayman Yahya scored a brace as Saudi Arabia kick started their AFC U23 Asian Cup title defence with a pulsating 4-2 victory over Tajikistan at the iconic Khalifa International Stadium. Read more here.
Defending champions Saudi Arabia beat Tajikistan!
Full Time
— The Peninsula Qatar (@PeninsulaQatar) April 16, 2024
⏱️ 90+10'
Match ends - ???????? #SaudiArabia beat #Tajikistan ????????!#Qatar #AFCU23 #AsianCupU23 #KSAvTJK pic.twitter.com/1LOA5Qvojf
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90+2 'Substitution - Saudi Arabia U23. Awad Al Nashri replaces Eid Al Muwallad.
90+1' Delay - due to an injury Mehrubon Karimov (Tajikistan U23).
87' VAR Decision - No Penalty Tajikistan U23.
87' VAR Checking - Tajikistan U23 Penalty.
82' Substitution - Saudi Arabia U23. Mohammed Marran replaces Abdullah Radif.
65' Substitution - Tajikistan U23. Tohirjon Taghoizoda replaces Alisher Shukurov.
65' Substitution - Saudi Arabia U23. Muhammad Al Dossary replaces Haitham Asiri.
65' Substitution - Saudi Arabia U23. Marwan Al Sahafi replaces Mohammed Abu Al Shamat.
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GOAL! ⚽
— The Peninsula Qatar (@PeninsulaQatar) April 16, 2024
64'
???????? #SaudiArabia 4 - 2 #Tajikistan ???????? : Rustam Soirov (Tajikistan U23) left footed shot from the centre of the box to the top left corner. Assisted by Amadoni Kamolov.#Qatar #AFCU23 #AsianCupU23 #KSAvTJK pic.twitter.com/2SvokJPzZu
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GOAL! ⚽
61'
Saudi Arabia 4 - 1 Tajikistan : Aiman Yahya (Saudi Arabia U23) left footed shot from the left side of the box to the bottom right corner.
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GOAL! ⚽
55'
Saudi Arabia 3 - 1 Tajikistan : Aiman Yahya (Saudi Arabia U23) left footed shot from outside the box to the bottom left corner. Assisted by Haitham Asiri following a fast break.
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52' Delay in match because of an injury Fakhriddin Akhtamov (Tajikistan U23).
Substitution, Tajikistan U23. Rustam Soirov replaces Mehron Madaminov.
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HALF TIME
⏱️ 45+11'
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GOAL! ⚽
45+8'
Saudi Arabia 2 - 1 Tajikistan : Haitham Asiri (Saudi Arabia U23) right footed shot from the centre of the box to the centre of the goal. Assisted by Abdullah Radif with a cross.
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???????? Saudi Arabia fans enjoying the pre-match vibe earlier inside the Khalifa International Stadium prior to their defending champions' clash against Tajikistan ???????? (Video by Queencel Garcia / The Peninsula)#Qatar #AFCU23 #AsianCupU23 #KSAvTJK pic.twitter.com/K1qnFHgRg2
— The Peninsula Qatar (@PeninsulaQatar) April 16, 2024
Saudi Arabia fans enjoying the pre-match vibe inside the Khalifa International Stadium prior to their defending champions' clash against Tajikistan! (Video by Queencel Garcia / The Peninsula)
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GOAL! ⚽
23'
Saudi Arabia 1 - 1 Tajikistan : Ruslan Khailoev (Tajikistan U23) left footed shot from the centre of the box to the bottom right corner. Assisted by Amadoni Kamolov with a headed pass.
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GOAL! ⚽
17'
Saudi Arabia 1 - 0 Tajikistan : Rayan Hamidou (Saudi Arabia U23) header from the centre of the box following a corner.
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Line up of players for Saudi Arabia and Tajikistan teams!
???? LINE UPS | ???????? Saudi Arabia ???? Tajikistan ????????
— #AsianCup2023 (@afcasiancup) April 16, 2024
Defending champions ???????? take on the Tajiks who step up onto the Asian stage for the second consecutive time!
???? Watch Live https://t.co/pJcxzDRY9s#AFCU23 | #KSAvTJK pic.twitter.com/riU0Pd6m2S
Get to know the teams!
Saudi Arabia
#AFCU23 Know Your Team: Saudi Arabia ????????
— #AsianCup2023 (@afcasiancup) April 16, 2024
The reigning champions Saudi Arabia are looking to defend their title. Can they do it? pic.twitter.com/0DrrBcmFq5
Tajikistan
#AFCU23 Know Your Team: Tajikistan ????????
— #AsianCup2023 (@afcasiancup) April 16, 2024
Another history in the making for Tajikistan as they make their second appearances in the competition. Can they advance past the group stages? pic.twitter.com/rBrl1HxmKR
