Hisor: Tajikistan defeated Maldives 5-0 to set up a final day clash with Uzbekistan for Group B supremacy in the AFC U-19 Championship Qualifiers at the Hisor Central Stadium on Monday.
It took an own goal in added-on time but it was Mochinov Alexander's side's third consecutive win and one point in their final group match against Tajikistan on Wednesday will seal top spot in the group and the automatic spot to the Finals in Indonesia.
Having beaten Sri Lanka 10-0 and Maldives 6-0, Uzbekistan were the favourites against Bangladesh,
Bangladesh, however, had proven to be stubborn opposition in their opening two matches where they held Tajikistan to a 0-0 draw and beat Maldives 1-0.
Md Mahabub Hossain Roksy's men produced their best once again and Uzbekistan had to carve their win out with Bangladesh's Mohammad Atikuzzaman unfortunately sending the ball into his own net four minutes into added on time at the end of the second half.
Tajikistan hardly put a foot wrong against Maldives but took 41 minutes to find the opening goal through Mabatshoev Shervoni.
The lead was doubled in first half stoppage time by Ehsoni Panshanbe and Tajikistan headed into the break on a high.
Boboev Sheriddin scored Tajikistan's third in the 73rd minute, which was followed by Shervovi adding his second of the match seven minutes later.
Samiev Shahrom then ensured Tajikistan will head into their showdown with Uzbekistan on a high by scoring his team's fifth two minutes from time.
Photos: AFC
Source: the-afc.com