Uzbekistan down Turkmenistan to claim three points in Dushanbe

Uzbekistan earned a 7-0 victory over Turkmenistan, giving Uzbek side the maximum nine points ahead of Iran clash on Tuesday.

Uzbekistan retained their place on top of the table, outclassing Turkmenistan to register a 7-0 win at the Central Republican Stadium.

Six players got on the scoresheet from Bakhrom Norsafarov’s side, who have now piled on 23 goals in their opening three matches in the competition.

Coming into the tie as heavy favourites, it took Uzbekistan just four minutes to go ahead through Shakhrizoda Zaynitdinova, before Maftuna Shoyimova scored twice – first from the penalty spot, then from open play – to give them a 3-0 lead at half time.

Kamila Zaripova added a fourth less than a minute after half-time, with substitute Madina Vokhidova netting goal number five just two minutes later, before Tojinisokhon Rashidvoa and Malika Burkhanova both came off the bench to add late final touches to the scoreboard.

Uzbekistan’s superior goal difference means they will remain on top of the table with a draw against Iran on Tuesday, while a win in that fixture will all but secure the title.