DUSHANBE, Nov 23: Uzbekistan drubbed Pakistan 3-0 in the opening match of the AFC Youth football championship qualifying round at Republic stadium on Wednesday.

Pakistan failed to face tall Uzbeks who mainly relied on passes and scored most of their goals though free kicks before leading the first half 2-0.

Pakistan though made some useful impressions in the second half but poor finish deprived them of breaking the deadlock.

Uzbeks grabbed lead in the 20th minute when Kamoliddin Murzoyev sent the ball into the goalpost between the wide open legs of the goal-keeper Muhammad Bilal before a right side move beat three of Pakistan defenders.

Uzbeks kept a flow of passes through accurate heading which upset the rhythm of their opponents.

They extended the lead with a 32nd minute goal by Vagiz Galiulin whose accurate shot off a free kick from left side sailed into the goalpost and took the goal-keeper off guards.

As Pakistan struggled under cold and windy conditions in the first half, Uzbeks tightened control through their speedy forwards who were always in hunt for opportunities.

Muhammad Waseem who wasted a couple of chances in the first half, did not change his ways. This time he had the rival keeper at his mercy, but once again he failed when his forceful shot eluded the net by inches.

Uzbeks boost their lead to 3-0 through a free kick in the 47th minute.

Lutfulla Turaev smartly headed the ball which came all the way from right side and fooled the custodian Bilal who did not learn the lesson from his previous mistake.

With time running out Pakistan made desperate efforts to get back into the game.

On some occasions Pakistan forwards were in clear possession of the ball but they wasted opportunities due to lack of coordination in the circle or near the left or right sides.

Pakistan will now play the hosts Tajikistan in their second and last match on Nov 25.

Uzbekistan will take on Tajikistan in the last match of the event on Nov 27.—APP