Saudi Arabia’s midfielder Mohamed Kanno (right) shoots to score his team’s first goal against Kyrgyzstan. AFP
Doha, Qatar: Goals from Mohammed Kanno and Faisal Al Ghamdi yesterday secured Saudi Arabia a 2-0 victory over a nine-man Kyrgyzstan as the West Asian heavyweights became the fifth team to advance to the Round of 16 of the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023.
Despite a resilient Kyrgyzstan defence which seemed least affected by two send-offs, Aizar Akmatov and Kimi Merk, the three-time winners sealed full points to top Group F.
The result meant Kyrgyzstan, who lost to Thailand 2-0 in their first match, remained without a point after back-to-back defeats.
In front of 39,555 spectators at the Ahmed Bin Ali Stadium, the first key moment of the match came in as early as the ninth minute. It was the turning point for Kyrgyzstan when Akmatov was shown a red card for a reckless challenge on Sami Al Naji just outside the box. Mohammed Al Burayk’s resulting free-kick was brilliantly saved by goalkeeper Erzhan Tokotaev, giving a sign of relief for coach Stefan Tarkovic and the Central Asian team. But the Green Falcons soon reaped dividends of the numerical advantage.
#SaudiArabia qualified for the Asian Cup knockout stage after they beat nine-man #Kyrgyzstan 2-0. (Photos by AFP and Rajan Vadakkemuriyil/The Peninsula)#Qatar2023 #AsianCup2023 #HayyaAsia #KGZvKSA pic.twitter.com/i0Dl2V7JSC
— The Peninsula Qatar (@PeninsulaQatar) January 21, 2024
In the 35th minute, Kanno took advantage of Abdulelah Al Malki’s powerful strike to give the Saudis a 1-0 lead. Despite lacking one defender, Kyrgyzstan gave their best to hold the Roberto Mancini-coached side until the break.
Upon return, Kyrgyzstan suffered another major blow in the 50th minute when Merk was shown a red card in the 50th minute for a vigorous challenge on Hassan Tambakti. Kanno came close to doubling his tally in the 72nd minute, but his header from Al Burayk’s corner hit the post.
Substitute Al Ghamdi secured Saudi Arabia’s second goal five minutes before the end of regular time after his powerful shot proved too strong for Tokotaev as the Green Falcons took a 2-0 lead.
Tokotaev thwarted attempts from Abdulrahman Ghareeb and Ali Al Bulayhi later on, but the early goals were enough for the Saudi Arabians to secure the decisive victory.
"It is difficult to play against Saudi Arabia with 11 players but with nine it is too difficult,” Tajikistan captain Tamirlan Kozubaev said after the match. "We did our best,” Kozubaev said.
Saudi Arabia are set for a top-of-the-table clash against Thailand on Thursday while Kyrgyzstan will have to defeat Oman on the same day to keep their slim chances of advancing as one of the best-ranked third-place teams alive.
