AsianCup2023 | Round Of 16 : Tajikistan 1 (5) - (3) 1 United Arab Emirates

There's a place in the quarterfinals of the AFC Asian Cup at stake today as Tajikistan take on the United Arab Emirates at the Akhmed Finale Stadium in the round of 16. Tajikistan are still riding high after scoring two late goals in their final group game to not only reach the knockout stages with a historic win, but to do it in their maiden appearance at this tournament. Umarbaev and Hamrokulov were the goal scoring heroes who helped their team secure second spot in Group A in dramatic fashion. And despite being outsiders on paper, Tajikistan see themselves at eye level with their opponents, and they believe there's a very, very good chance of going through today. The United Arab Emirates finished a distant second behind Iran in their group. Four points with five goals scored was enough to see them through. And although they're currently around 40 places ahead of Tajikistan in the world rankings, coach Paolo Bento was keen to point out that the UAE will not be taking this tie lightly or considering themselves as the favorites. It looks like Fabio Lima will be the one to take the early free kick. A decent early effort there. Yatimov was not taking any chances. UAE starting with intent. The ball's high into the box for Tajikistan. Dzhurabaev, the defender who's up in the area, stands up the cross into the middle and Hanonov heads Tajikistan into the lead. The two center backs combine, and it's a wonderfully well taken goal after half an hour. Khalid Eriza gave it everything to get across, but he could only tip it in. Khasani for the UAE, powers down the left. The ball in might find space in the middle. Zayed Sultan was the man bursting into that space, but the shot was straight at the keeper. Some momentum now for the UAE, though, after a few rocky minutes. Corner kick, UAE taken towards the front post. Caio was right on the same wavelength and moved in well, but just couldn't steer the effort on target from there. Nasrabada in the area, gets the ball across. And it's hacked away, but sliced and not really well cleared. And it's Fabio Lima who fires it just past the upright for the UAE. Appeals for handball in there. The Tajikistan lead with a long, long way to go. Tajikistan, they can work this forward nicely. There's space for them to exploit here too. Panshanbe goes for the shot with the curling effort. It was worth a go, but the keeper had it covered. And the ball is given up there. They'll get it through to Zhalilov. He's in here. The shot slips through Erise, the goalkeeper. But he got back to recover. And what a let off that is. Tajikistan on top, but still just one nil up. Oh, and Samiev's got away from his man on the right hand side. He's got Alisher Zhalilov in the middle. Oh, and he's missed it from the six yard box. It was on a plate for him. Thrown into the middle as UAE are running out of time. For the equaliser, the shot comes back off the post and it's hacked clear. Kasani, the unlucky one, just inches away, but there's still time. Maybe one last chance for UAE. It's played in and Al-Hamadi wins the header. United-Arab Emirates level the game so, so late in the day. And he got there ahead of Hanonov and knocked it in. Tajikistan on the front foot now. They are still in this tie, of course, at 1-1. Rahimov with the cross and Rokunov forces a flying save. And they so nearly had a remarkable response of their own. But this thrilling game is going long. No big chances in extra time. Penalties, it will be. It's Kayo Kanedo for the United-Arab Emirates, saved by Yatimov. Advantage Tajikistan in this tense shootout. Kanedo couldn't do it. Now the 21 year old Shukurov for a place in the quarterfinal. Shukurov has held his nerve for Tajikistan. The dream run for the debutants continues onwards. Elation for the whole team, who could hardly watch that. What an extraordinary battle they put up today. You have to spare a thought for the United-Arab Emirates, who fought back bravely to take this one to spot kicks. But this is Tajikistan's day and they will go on to meet Iraq or Jordan in the quarterfinals after five perfect penalties. A tremendous day in the Asian Cup for Tajikistan. 5-3 on penalties, the final score.