Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — The Uzbekistan national football team took another step toward securing its first-ever FIFA World Cup qualification with a 1-0 victory over Kyrgyzstan in the second round of the qualifiers. The match took place on Thursday at Bunyodkor Stadium in Tashkent.

Kyrgyzstan nearly troubled the hosts in the opening minutes when captain Valeriy Kichin delivered a lofted pass into the box. Eldiyar Zaripbekov then sent a dangerous low cross across goal, but Araz Abdullaev managed to clear the ball just in time.

Uzbekistan had an early chance in the 3rd minute, as Khojakbar Alijonov delivered a cross to an unmarked Farrukh Sayfiyev, but the defender failed to convert his header.

Timur Kapadze's side kept up the pressure, with Jaloliddin Masharipov forcing Erzhan Tokotaev into a save from a free kick in the 11th minute. Moments later, Abbosbek Fayzullaev dribbled into the penalty area, only to see his shot miss the right post by mere centimeters.

In the 19th minute, Kyrgyzstan nearly paid the price for defensive complacency as Fayzullaev floated a precise cross to Masharipov, but the Esteghlal forward directed his weak shot straight into Tokotaev’s hands.

The visitors’ situation worsened in the 24th minute when Said Datsiev received a straight red card for fouling Alijonov inside the box. However, Tokotaev came to his team’s rescue by correctly guessing Eldor Shomurodov’s penalty and making a crucial save.

Uzbekistan eventually capitalized on its numerical advantage in the 40th minute. Masharipov sent a pass into the box to Fayzullaev, who set up Alijonov for a powerful finish past Tokotaev, despite the goalkeeper's desperate attempts to keep it out.

The hosts nearly doubled their lead in the 75th minute when Fayzullaev dribbled past his marker on the right flank and squared the ball to Otabek Shukurov, whose close-range effort was blocked by Kichin. However, this missed opportunity did not change the outcome, as Uzbekistan held on to secure a vital win and move closer to a historic World Cup qualification.

Kapadze’s team will face Iran on Tuesday, while Kyrgyzstan will take on Qatar in the next round of qualifiers.