The Uzbekistan League leaders defeated Almalik 3-1 to record their seventh consecutive win in the league with goals from Edson Ramos and Anvar Soliev (two). Arturas Fomenka scored the only goal for the losers.

Bunyodkor, who are second in the ACL Group D with seven points, two less than Ettifaq, will take on the leaders away on May 5.

Uzbekistan have a break till June 6 when they will host Japan in the FIFA World Cup qualifier and former Bunyodkor head coach Kasimov’s arrival will help coach Hikmat Irgashev in the remaining ACL games.

ACL Group A leaders Pakhtakor improved to third in the standings beating Sogdiana 2-0. Farhod Tadjiyev and Alexander Geynrikh were on target for Pakhtakor who will face UAE’s Al Ahli at home on May 6.

In other matches, Navabhor beat Lokomotive 2-0, Metallurg lost to Nasaf 3-1, Dynamo held Andijan 1-1, Kyzylkum overcame Bukhara 3-2, Mashal went down to Khorezm 2-1 and AFC Cup side Neftchi played a 1-1 draw with Shurtan.

STANDINGS: 1. Bunyodkor 21, 2. Nasaf 16, 3. Pakhtakor 14, 4. Almalik 13, 5. Khorezm 11.