Tashkent’s Bunyodkor FC played against UAE’s Al-Shabab in a qualifying match before the group stage of AFC Champions League.

Tashkent’s Bunyodkor FC played against UAE’s Al-Shabab in a qualifying match before the group stage of AFC Champions League.

Based on last year’s national championship results, Pakhtakor and Locomotiv from Tashkent and Karshi's Nasaf will be starting off directly at the group stage of AFC Champions League. Bunyodkor, coming fourth in the national championship, had to take part in the playoff match to qualify for this stage of tournament.

Sergei Lushan’s team started the game with an attacking football, Eldor Shomurodov opening the score on the second minute- 1:0. On the 35 minute, defender Akromjon Kamilov skillfully passed the ball to Eldor Shomurodov, who was in the opponent’s penalty area. Taking the opportunity, the striker successfully volleyed the ball into the net for the second time. In the second half, the two teams demonstrated an active game, but the score remained unchanged - 2:0.

Bunyodkor has become the fourth team to join the group stage of the Asian Champions League. It will play alongside Saudi Arabia’s Al Nassr, Iran’s Zobahan and Qatar’s Lekhwiya.