Uzbeks gear up for qualifiers

Pre-qualifier favourites Uzbekistan's light warm-up at the BFF Artificial turf in the evening soon after their arrival in the capital yesterday indicated how the Central Asian nation is serious about the qualifiers of the AFC U-23 Championship, also a meet of Brazil Olympic Qualifiers.

Having had only a couple of hours rest at the hotel, the Uzbekistan team, a 72nd FIFA ranked side, reached the BFF turf with almost sundown and left the artificial turf in dark after sweating themselves.

“We are now only thinking of our group matches and finish it well to advance to the next round. Afterwards, we will think about our chances in the Olympics,” said Uzbekistan coach Bakhtiyor Ashurmatov after the short warm-up session.

A 31-member contingent of Uzbekistan arrived in Dhaka yesterday five days before their official arrival as the team management wants the players to get used to the weather of Bangladesh and feel better before the start of the qualifiers.

Bakhtiyor have been given the charges of the Olympic team in the last month after Uzbekistan U-23 side failed to produce good results in International King Cup in Thailand where Uzbekistan U-23 lost to South Korea 0-1 and Honduras U-20 2-5 and won 5-2 against Thailand U-23.

Under the guidance of Bakhtiyor, Uzbekistan Olympic team, who have been together for nearly one year, played out a goalless draw against Vietnam last Saturday.

Bakhtiyor believes hosts Bangladesh and India have been improving under their respective foreign coaches for the last one year while Syria are strong opponents with very good physic.

The Uzbekistan coach, however, doesn't like to bracket any opponents as tough one for them rather he believes the qualifiers will be an entertaining tourney.