Kuwait U23 vs Uzbekistan U23 Asian Games Preview
Uzbekistan are aiming to build on a comfortable opening victory when they face Kuwait in their second Group C fixture in the football event at the Asian Games.
The White Wolves will be full of confidence at the moment and should be too strong for their rivals, who have been unconvincing lately.
Key Stats
- Uzbekistan U23 have won their last two matches in all competitions.
- Uzbekistan U23 have won the last two matches against Kuwait U23.
- Kuwait U23 have failed to win five of their last six matches in all competitions.
Uzbekistan on Top
Uzbekistan have won their two previous matches against Kuwait. The White Wolves claimed a 5-1 victory in the 2021 Asian U23 Cup before picking up a 5-0 victory in the 2024 edition.
Kuwait Looking to Build
Kuwait come into this clash off the back of a 1-1 draw with Vietnam in their opening Group C fixture. They struck first late in the second half through Omar Al-Matar but were still pegged back.
Manager Emilio Peixe will be disappointed with the result as his team failed to build on their lead. However, there are a few positives to take, as Kuwait created several scoring opportunities.
While Kuwait will be looking to build on their opening performance, the result highlights their recent problems. They have failed to win four of their last five matches in all competitions, suffering three defeats in this run.
Smooth Sailing For Uzbekistan
It was smooth sailing for Uzbekistan in their opening fixture as they eased to a 5-1 victory over the Philippines. Saidumarkhon Saidnurullaev netted a brace while Mukhammadali Urinboev, Ruziboy Fayzullaev and Mukhammadali Reimov were also on target.
Beyond the win, manager Ravshan Khaydarov will also be pleased with his team’s performance as they were ruthless and efficient. The result means Uzbekistan are now in control of Group C and can secure a place in the knockout phase with a win on Friday.
That was the second straight win for Uzbekistan, who picked up a 1-0 victory against USA in a friendly prior to the tournament. Their overall form is also solid, having gone unbeaten in seven of their last 10 matches in all competitions.
Team News & Predicted Line-ups
Kuwait (4-4-3): Abdulredha Shebab; Jasem Al-Enezi, Saleh El-Mehtab, Abdullah Essa, Bandar Al-Barazi; Bader Almutairi, Montaser Al Abdulsalam, Mohamed Al-Sharif; Fawaz Al-Embailesh, Omar Al-Matar, Talal Al-Qaisi.
Kuwait are likely to keep faith with the team that started the opening match, with Al-Matar set to continue in attack after scoring their only goal. Almutairi should start in midfield while El-Mehtab is expected to feature at the back once again.
Uzbekistan (4-3-1-2): Samandar Muratbaev; Ruziboy Fayzullaev, Giyosdzhon Rizakulov, Saidkhon Khamidov, Dilshod Murtozoev; Saidumarkhon Saidnurullaev, Sardorbek Bakhromov, Ravshan Khayrullaev; Asilbek Jumaev; Ollabergan Karimov, Mukhammadali Urinboev.
Uzbekistan are also unlikely to make changes to their team, with Saidnurullaev expected to start following his brace last time out. Bakhromov should feature in midfield while Rizakulov is set to continue at the back alongside Khamidov.