In the second round of the Asian Cup group stage, Uzbekistan secured a convincing 3-0 win over India, with Abbosbek Faizullaev of CSKA Moscow delivering the decisive strike. The winger’s uplifting display helped set the tone for a cohesive team performance that carried through the entire match.
The breakthrough arrived early when Faizullaev met a cross with a precise header in the fourth minute, testing the Indian defense and signaling Uzbekistan’s intent to press from the opening whistle. The scoring continued in the 18th minute as forward Igor Sergeev finished a flowing move, widening the lead and giving the team an increasingly comfortable cushion as the first half unfolded. As stoppage time approached, defender Sherzod Nasrullaev added a third, widening the gap and underscoring Uzbekistan’s command of the contest.
After two rounds, Uzbekistan had four points from the group, placing them in a strong position for the remaining fixtures. The final group match would be against Australia, scheduled for January 23, a meeting that would shape seeding going into the next phase.
Faizullaev logged a total of 127 minutes across the tournament, contributing one goal as part of his ongoing influence in Uzbekistan’s midfield and wide play. His move to CSKA Moscow in August 2023 marked a major step following a standout performance as the best player at the 2022 Asian Junior Championship, highlighting his rise as a prominent figure in Asian football.
The Uzbek winger has been a consistent presence in both domestic and continental competitions this season, featuring in 13 Russian Premier League matches, notching two goals and laying on four assists. In the Russian Cup, he has appeared in five matches and produced two more assists, illustrating his versatility and the tactical options he adds to his team.
Off the field, conversations surrounding CSKA’s squad have centered on public discussions about team selections and player dynamics that often accompany a club’s campaign. A recent remark involving a former Zenit player named Krugovoy drew attention, demonstrating how player movement and media speculation can intersect with club performance as the season unfolds. These developments feed into the broader narrative around the club and the league, shaping fan discourse and analysts’ assessments alike.