The Tajikistan national team made history by qualifying for the knock-out stage for the first time after beating the Lebanon national team, scoring 2-1 in the AFC Asian Cup 2023 Group Stage, Group A at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium.
Action in the first half ended with a draw for both teams. Both teams failed to score any goals before heading into the second half of the game.
Continuing the action in the second half, Lebanon finally scored the opening goal through Bassel Jradi in the 47th minute of the game. Bassel’s attempt from outside the penalty box hit the net past the Tajikistan goalkeeper, Yatimov Rustam.
After the goal was scored, the intensity of the match intensified with several successful attempts planned by both teams.
This action was also marred by the red card incident to the Lebanese player, Kassem Al Zein after the individual was found guilty through the help of VAR. The referee’s decision forced Lebanon to play with the remaining 10 players.
The advantage was taken advantage of by Tajikistan when in the 80th minute of the game, Tajikistan equalised through Umarbayev.
Tajikistan’s substitute striker, Nuriddin Khamrokulov became the team’s hero in the final minutes of stoppage time after his beautiful header into the Lebanon goal and secured the winning goal for Tajikistan.
The action ended, Tajikistan recovered to beat Lebanon with a 2-1 result.
Tajikistan made history by qualifying for the knock-out stage for the first time after qualifying for the AFC Asian Cup 2023, the first time after being affiliated with the AFC in 1994.
