Both sides had chances to score throughout the game at Linzi Stadium but it took a second-half penalty from Bunyodkor forward Temurkhuja Abdukholiqov to settle the encounter in favour of the Central Asians.

The defeat was a little harsh on 2006 winners DPR Korea, who dominated the closing stages and were only denied a 94th minute equaliser when goalkeeper Viktor Mochalov produced a superb save to prevent a goalbound effort from Jong Il-kwan.

“I knew the match would be very difficult as it is the first match of the tournament but I didn’t expect just how difficult it would be,” said Kabaev.

“It was not easy but this happens in the first matches of tournaments.”

DPR Korea looked impressive going forward with skipper Ri Hyok-chol and Jong Il-kwan combining often to unlock the Uzbekistan defence.

“I liked the way the Korean team performed,” added Kabaev.

“They played well and very actively and the match was difficult for this reason.

“It was also difficult as it is the first time we have played at this venue so we are just getting used to the pitch.”

DPR Korea’s best spell in the game came after Uzbekistan had scored with Kabaev’s side opting to sit back and try to defend their slender advantage.

“The second half was tough for us because we were leading and then it is more difficult for young players to keep this result,” said Kabaev.

“This is something we could improve for the next game.”

But for all of DPR Korea’s attacking intent they lacked a cutting edge with Jong Il-kwan’s last-minute shot one of the few occasions that Mochalov was called into action.

And coach Yun Jong-su offered no excuses for the defeat, admitting his side need to become more clinical in front of goal if they are to progress to the quarter-finals.

“In this game our players were not calm and so they lost many chances to score,” he said.

“It is very important not to lose the chance to score otherwise you do not win the game.

“We did not win this game but we are not out of the tournament yet.”

DPR Korea next play Iraq at Linzi Stadium on Tuesday while Uzbekistan face Bahrain.