In a thrilling encounter that went all the way to a penalty shootout, Tajikistan pulled off a stunning upset by defeating the United Arab Emirates (UAE) 5-4 on penalties to advance to the quarter-finals of the 2019 AFC Asian Cup. The match was played at the Khalifa bin Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi, and it was the first time that Tajikistan had reached the quarter-finals of the Asian Cup.
The game started brightly, with both teams creating chances in the opening minutes. However, it was the UAE who took the lead in the 20th minute when Ali Mabkhout scored from the penalty spot. Tajikistan responded well to going behind, and they equalized just five minutes later through a goal from Akhtam Nazarov. The score remained 1-1 at half-time, and the second half continued in the same vein, with both teams having chances to win the game.
With the match heading towards extra time, Tajikistan took the lead in the 79th minute when Manuchekhr Dzhalilov scored a stunning goal. However, the UAE refused to give up, and they equalized once again in the 89th minute through Ahmed Khalil. The match went to extra time, but neither team could find a winning goal, so the game went to a penalty shootout.
Tajikistan held their nerve in the shootout, scoring all five of their penalties. The UAE, meanwhile, missed two of their penalties, and Tajikistan ultimately won the shootout 5-4. The victory was a historic one for Tajikistan, and it marked the first time that they had ever defeated the UAE in a competitive match.
Tajikistan’s Road to the Quarter-Finals
Tajikistan’s journey to the quarter-finals of the Asian Cup was a remarkable one. They started their campaign with a 1-0 defeat to Japan, but they bounced back with a 2-1 win over Oman and a 3-0 victory over Turkmenistan to finish second in their group. In the Round of 16, they faced a tough challenge against China, but they managed to win the match 2-0.
UAE’s Disappointing Exit
The UAE’s exit from the Asian Cup was a disappointing one. They were one of the favourites to win the tournament, but they were unable to live up to expectations. They finished bottom of their group after losing to Thailand and India, and they were then knocked out of the tournament by Tajikistan in the Round of 16.
What’s Next for Tajikistan?
Tajikistan will now face Australia in the quarter-finals of the Asian Cup. Australia are one of the strongest teams in the tournament, so Tajikistan will need to be at their best if they want to cause another upset. The match will be played on January 25th at the Hazza bin Zayed Stadium in Al Ain.
Conclusion
Tajikistan’s victory over the UAE was a historic one, and it marked a significant moment in the country’s football history. They will now face a tough challenge against Australia in the quarter-finals, but they will be confident of causing another upset.
