Uzbekistan U-17 to face DPRK in Asian Cup semi-final tonight

The AFC U-17 Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia is reaching its climax. Tonight, April 17, Uzbekistan’s U-17 national football team will face North Korea in the semi-finals.

Ismailov could become third coach to lead Uzbekistan to the final

Uzbekistan has a brief but notable history in the youth category of this tournament. In 2010, during the Asian Cup held in Tashkent, the U-16 team faced North Korea in the final and lost 2-0 under the leadership of head coach Alexei Yevstafeev. Two years later, in 2012, Dilshod Nuraliev’s team made it to the final again and defeated Japan in a penalty shootout (4:2), becoming champions.

Now, 13 years later, head coach Islam Ismailov has once again led the Uzbek youth team to the semi-finals. His squad is not only eyeing a spot in the final but is also considered a strong contender for the title.

What can DPRK offer against Uzbekistan?

Ahead of tonight’s crucial clash, football analyst Samvel Karlenovich analyzed the strengths and weaknesses of the North Korean U-17 team:

- Defensive Errors: DPRK’s defense occasionally makes blunders, especially under high pressure.
- Physical Fitness: Their players boast excellent physical condition and technical skills.
- Aerial Superiority: DPRK is the best-performing team in aerial duels in this tournament.
- One-on-One Strength: They lead the competition in winning individual battles.
- Key Player: The team captain is their most dangerous player — skilled in ball control, powerful and accurate from mid-range, and with exceptional field vision for a 17-year-old.
- Set-Piece Threat: Corners are their signature weapon — four of their goals (33.3% of their total) have come from corner kicks.
- Right-Flank Focus: Most of their attacks are initiated from the right wing, where their forwards show strong goal-scoring instincts.

For reference, the semi-final match between Uzbekistan and North Korea will kick off at 22:15 Tashkent time tonight.