NEW DELHI, Nov 15: A goal by substitute Karaev Ulugbek helped Tajikistan deliver knock-out punch on Pakistan Tuesday in Asian Football Confederation Under-17 championship qualifier. The match failed to raise to any great heights as far as standard of football was concerned. Just when a goalless draw seemed to be likely result, Ulugbek popped up in six yard box to tap home a left wing cross from close range in 78th minute.

With Pakistan having lost both its matches, India-Tajikistan game on Thursday will decide who earns a berth in AFC U-17 Championship to be held next year in Singapore.

Tajikistan need a victory while India can go through by securing a draw by virtue of a superior goal difference after 9-0 demolition of Pakistan on Sunday.

The teams topping 15 groups would make it to Singapore along with the host nation.

Pakistanis made two changes to their starting line-up. Fareed Balaouch and Ehsanullah were drafted in place of Ali Ishtiaq and Atif Hussain.

They made a spirited beginning and marked the Tajik forwards very closely even though they could not create many clear cut opportunities in front of rival goal.

But they could have taken lead within first 15 minutes against run of play if Hikmatullah had shown composure in front of goal when he had only Tajik custodian Murodov Mirali to beat.—Agencies