Uzbekistan earn a spot in the AFC Women's Futsal Championship 2018 quarter-finals

Uzbekistan booked their spot in the AFC Women's Futsal Championship 2018 quarter-finals after beating Turkmenistan 3-1 on Saturday.

Avaz Maksumov's charges knew that a win would surely secure a place in the final eight, but Turkmenistan were out to avenge their opening day 14-0 loss to Islamic Republic of Iran, and were notably more spirited in the opening minutes.

Turkmenistan played defensively, slowly prodding for a counter-attack move, while Uzbekistan had the lion's share of possession in the first half and made numerous attempts with their quick through passes into the box but it all lacked a fine finish.

Uzbekistan's goalkeeper Laylo Tilovova was replaced by Maftuna Jonimqulova in the 11th minute after her miscalculated clearance tackled Turkmenistan's forward.

However, their constant attacks finally paid dividends in the 17th minute when Zumratjon Nazarova intercepted a pass and slid the ball forward to Feruza Turdiboeva on the right flank, before passing it back to Nazarova for a close range effort to take the lead.

Rushaniya Safina and Lyudmila Karachik formed quite a formidable duo for Uzbekistan, and just one minute later, the two surged down the middle with their quick passes and Safina, with her finishing touch made no mistake to double their lead going into the half-time break.

Turkmenistan did well in limiting the gaps in their defence but Uzbekistan moved around the pitch swiftly, coupled with their experience paved way for Malika Burkhonova to etch her name on the scoresheet in the 23rd minute with a simple tap in to further their advantage.

With a comfortable lead and win most assuredly within their grasp, Uzbekistan kept looking for another goal, perfecting their moves with every run but Turkmenistan showed their resilience and denied them of any chances.

It all seemed to be done and settled but in the final 10 seconds, Turkmenistan's Halida Eshnyyazova was brought down after a harsh clearance from custodian Jonimqulova outside the box, who was later shown a red card.

Eshnyyazova then let loose a superb free kick to score a consolation goal in the final second of the game.

Uzbekistan's next challenge will be to go up against title holders Iran for the top spot in Group D.