Uzbekistan defeat Iraq with a 3-1 win in friendly game

Sherzod Nasrullaev broke a 40-minute deadlock as Uzbek side took the lead at the UAE Football Association Stadium.

The goals continued to flow when Mirjahon Mirahmadov doubled the advantage for the White Wolves, but Muntadar Sattor halved the deficit for Iraq in the first-period injury minutes.

However, Hojiakbar Alijonov completed the scoring for Ljubinko Drulovic's side when he notched the third in the 87th minute.

The reigning Asian champions at the U-23 level, Uzbekistan will meet Islamic Republic of Iran, China PR and Korea Republic in Group C of the Continental Finals in Thailand next month, while Iraq have been drawn alongside hosts Thailand, as well as Bahrain and Australia in Group A.

The AFC U23 Championship will kick-off on January 8, with the final to be held at Bangkok’s Rajamangala Stadium on January 26.