In the second match of the 2025 U20 Asian Cup group stage taking place on the evening of February 16, U20 Indonesia faced a strong opponent, the defending champion U20 Uzbekistan. The defeat in the opening match against Iran U20 put the Southeast Asian representative in a difficult position, when only the top two teams in the group could advance to the knockout round.
With overwhelming power, U20 Uzbekistan opened the score in the 21st minute thanks to a header by captain Muhammadali Urinboev.
Just two minutes later, the Indonesian team equalized with a close-range tap-in from Jens Raven. Uzbekistan returned to the lead just 2 minutes after the second half started, when Daler Tukhsanov hit a smart heels for Haydarov to shoot into the opponent's net.
In the 63rd minute, Indonesia's defense played unfocused in Urinboev's corner kick. The ball was hung into the penalty area and Saidumarkhon Saidnurullayaev jumped high and headed the ball into the net easily without being marked.
The final 3-1 victory helped U20 Uzbekistan and U20 Iran secure two tickets to the round of 16 of Group C. The two teams will meet in the final match on February 19 to decide the top team.
In the remaining match taking place today, U20 Yemen suffered a 0-6 defeat to Iran, thereby stopping with U20 Indonesia in the group stage. The two teams will face each other in the final match to find the first point in the 2025 U20 Asian Cup.
