Traditional Central Asian powerhouse Uzbekistan has beaten Thailand to reach the quarterfinals of the 2023 Asian Cup and will face hosts Qatar.

Uzbekistan won their Round of 16 match against Thailand 2-1 at Al-Janub Stadium in Alwakra on March 30. This is their fifth quarterfinal appearance, joining Qatar, Australia, Jordan, 안전카지노사이트 and Tajikistan.

They were eliminated in the round of 16 at the 2019 tournament. Their previous best result at the tournament was a fourth-place finish in 2011.

Uzbekistan took the lead in the 37th minute through Azizbak Turgunboyev. Diyar Halmatov’s aerial forward pass was collected by Turgunboyev in front of goal, who calmly finished to rattle the net.

But Thailand fought back. Second-half substitute Supachok Sarachat found the back of the net with a sensational mid-range shot from just outside the box in the 12th minute to make it 1-1.

Uzbekistan struck again in the 20th minute of the second half, eight minutes after conceding the equalizer. Abbosbek Fayzullayev’s low shot from outside the penalty box hit the far post and found the back of the net for a 2-1 lead.

Uzbekistan will next face Qatar at Al-Khor’s Albayt Stadium on March 4.