Sports Digest: National Team call-ups, ACL exit & Europa League drama

In just a few days, one of the most crucial matches in Uzbek football history will take place at Bunyodkor Stadium. The 2026 World Cup qualifiers have reached a decisive stage, and head coach Temur Kapadze has announced his squad for the upcoming clashes against Kyrgyzstan and Iran.

Meanwhile, Pakhtakor's dream run in the AFC Champions League came to an early end, and both Khusanov and Shomurodov took part in their respective club matches.

Let's take a closer look at these key sports stories in today’s edition of QALAMPIR.UZ’s Sports Digest.

Khusanov Named in Premier League’s U21 Team of the Week

Manchester City’s Uzbek defender Abdukodir Khusanov has been included in the symbolic team of the best players under 21 in the English Premier League, as reported by Score90.

Khusanov was featured alongside teammates Rico Lewis and Savinho, as well as several young stars from Manchester United, including Leny Yoro, Kobbie Mainoo, and Alejandro Garnacho.

The 21-year-old defender has made seven appearances for Manchester City, scoring one goal and earning the club’s Player of the Month award for February.

Manchester City Expands Its Presence in India

Manchester City has signed a partnership with Rise Worldwide, one of India's leading sports management and consulting agencies, to strengthen its ties with its growing fan base in India. The deal was reported by the Economic Times.

Nikhil Bardia, CEO of Rise Worldwide, emphasized that the partnership is not just a business opportunity but also a sporting initiative aimed at fostering football development in the country.

"Manchester City is one of the best clubs in the world, and we are honored to collaborate with them. Our goal is to establish long-term partnerships that will not only drive business growth but also contribute to sports development in India," said Bardia.

City Football Group, the parent company of Manchester City, already has sporting and financial stakes in India through its investment in Mumbai City FC. Since the investment, Mumbai City has emerged as one of the top clubs in the Indian Super League, winning two ISL League Shields and two ISL Cups.

Khusanov and Shomurodov Called Up for National Duty

The Uzbekistan national team has announced its squad for the upcoming March training camp, as confirmed by the Football Association of Uzbekistan.

Uzbekistan will face Kyrgyzstan on March 20 at home before traveling to Iran on March 25 as part of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

Roma striker Eldor Shomurodov and Manchester City defender Abdukodir Khusanov have been included in the squad.

Uzbekistan National Team Roster for March Matches

• Goalkeepers: Utkir Yusupov, Abduvohid Nematov, Botirali Ergashev
• Defenders: Abdulla Abdullaev, Khojiakbar Alijonov, Husniddin Alikulov, Rustam Ashurmatov, Umar Eshmurodov, Abdukodir Khusanov, Farrukh Sayfiev, Dilshod Kamilov, Sherzod Nasrullaev, Ibrohimhalil Yuldoshev, Zafarmurod Abdurahmatov
• Midfielders: Odil Hamrobekov, Abbos Fayzullaev, Jamshid Iskanderov, Jaloliddin Masharipov, Oston Urunov, Otabek Shukurov, Abdurauf Boriev, Akmal Mozgovoy, Ruslan Jiyanov
• Forwards: Eldor Shomurodov, Bobur Abdikholikov

Shomurodov and Roma Bow Out of the Europa League

On March 13, Roma crashed out of the Europa League after losing 3-1 to Athletic Bilbao in the Round of 16 second leg.

Uzbek forward Eldor Shomurodov came on as a second-half substitute for the Italian club. However, Roma’s hopes were dashed early when defender Mats Hummels received a red card in the 11th minute. Atlético’s Nico Williams scored twice, while Yuri Berchiche added another to put the Spanish side 3-0 ahead. Roma’s Leandro Paredes converted a penalty in stoppage time, but it was too little, too late.

With a 4-3 aggregate victory, Athletic advanced to the Europa League quarter-finals, while Roma’s European campaign ended prematurely.

The quarter-final first legs will be played on April 10, followed by the second legs on April 17.

Pakhtakor’s ACL Dream Ends with Heavy Defeat

On the night of March 12, Pakhtakor hosted Al-Hilal in the second leg of the AFC Champions League Round of 16 and suffered a 4-0 defeat, eliminating them from the tournament.

Having already lost the first leg, Pakhtakor needed a strong performance but fell behind early as Al-Hilal scored three first-half goals. The Saudi club added another late in the match, sealing a 4-1 aggregate victory.

Following the defeat, Pakhtakor’s head coach Jorge Jesus was dismissed, marking the end of his tenure at the club.

It was a tough week for Khusanov and Shomurodov, as their clubs faced setbacks in domestic and European competitions. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan’s national team is preparing for a crucial World Cup qualifying window, hoping to edge closer to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

With exciting matches ahead, Uzbek football fans eagerly await to see whether the national team can turn the tide and make history. Stay tuned for more updates in QALAMPIR.UZ’s Sports Digest!