On a cool November night in Dubai, Uzbekistan pulled off one of the most surprising results of the year, defeating Egypt 2-0 in the semifinals of the Al Ain International Cup 2025Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium. The goals? Both came from Oston Urunov—a 25-year-old forward whose name may not yet be household across continents, but who now has the world watching. The match, played under the desert lights at 22:00 Tashkent time, ended any lingering doubts: Uzbekistan isn’t just building for the 2026 FIFA World Cup—they’re ready to compete.
Urunov’s Masterclass Under the Spotlight
It took just four minutes for Urunov to announce his arrival. A quick one-two with midfielder Anzur Ismailov sent him sprinting past Egypt’s right-back, and with a low, driven finish past goalkeeper Mohamed Sobhy, the scoreboard shifted. The goal wasn’t fluky—it was precision. By the 43rd minute, he’d done it again. A counterattack, initiated by a blocked shot from Egypt’s Mostafa Mohamed, found Urunov in space. One touch. One shot. Goal. No celebration. Just a nod to his bench. The crowd, mostly local fans and expats, erupted. But the silence from Egypt’s bench told the real story.
For all their star power—Mohamed Salah included—Egypt looked disjointed. Salah, wearing the captain’s armband, had moments: a darting run in the 12th minute, a curling free-kick in the 37th that just missed the post. But he was isolated. No support. No rhythm. The midfield trio of Osama Faisal, Marwan Osman, and Zizo failed to link play. When Osman was subbed off at 20 minutes for Ahmed Fatouh, the connection broke further. By halftime, Egypt had 11 shots—five on target—but none found the net. That’s not bad luck. That’s a defense that knew how to shut them down.
Egypt’s Defensive Blind Spots
Coach Hossam Hassan, 59, has guided Egypt through 17 matches since taking over—11 wins, 4 draws. But this loss? It was his second in 21 months. And it came at the worst possible time. "We were not focused on the first goal," Hassan told Al-Ahram after the match. "And the defence was poor on the second. We gave them too much space in transition." He’s right. Uzbekistan’s counter-pressing was relentless. Goalkeeper Abduvokhid Nematov made two critical stops—one in the seventh minute, denying Salah’s pass to Marwan Osman—and the backline, led by captain Murod Ismailov, held firm.
Egypt’s preparation for the 2025 Africa Cup of NationsMorocco was supposed to be smooth. Group B—Zimbabwe, South Africa, Angola—looks winnable. But this performance? It’s a red flag. Salah won’t join the squad until after Liverpool’s December 13 clash with Brighton. That’s three Premier League games missed. Three weeks of no training with the team. And now, a psychological blow.
Uzbekistan’s Quiet Rise
Ranked 55th by FIFA—23 places below Egypt—Uzbekistan entered this tournament as underdogs. But they’ve been quietly building. Their 2022 World Cup qualifying campaign nearly got them to Qatar. Their 2023 Asian Cup run ended in the quarterfinals. And now? They’ve beaten a team with Salah, with history, with continental prestige. This isn’t a fluke. It’s a statement.
Their coach, Mirjalol Qosimov, has emphasized discipline over flair. No flashy names. No superstars. Just a team that moves as one. They’ve got midfielders who track back, defenders who cover, and forwards who press. Urunov isn’t just a goal-scorer—he’s a workhorse. And against Egypt, he was the difference.
What’s Next? Iran Looms Large
Uzbekistan now faces Iran in the final on November 18 at Al-Maktoum Stadium. Iran, who crushed Cape Verde 4-1 in the other semifinal, are a different beast—physical, experienced, and hungry after their 2-1 loss to Russia earlier in the week. But Uzbekistan won’t be intimidated. They’ve already beaten the odds once.
Egypt, meanwhile, plays Cape Verde on November 17 for third place. It’s a meaningless match on paper. But for Hassan’s squad, it’s a chance to rebuild confidence before heading to Morocco. The Africa Cup of Nations starts in just six weeks. And if Egypt’s defense looks like it did against Uzbekistan, their title hopes may evaporate before they even begin.
The Bigger Picture: International Windows Matter
This tournament, held during the November FIFA international window, was never meant to be a major competition. It was a rehearsal. A test. A chance to try new formations, assess young players, and build chemistry. And in that regard, it delivered. Uzbekistan proved they can compete with Africa’s giants. Egypt revealed cracks in their armor. Iran showed they’re still a force. And Cape Verde? They’re not just minnows—they’re dangerous.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup isn’t just about qualification. It’s about proving you belong. Uzbekistan just did that. Egypt? They still have time to fix things. But time is running out.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Oston Urunov manage to score twice against Egypt’s defense?
Urunov capitalized on Egypt’s high defensive line and slow transitions. His first goal came from a quick counter after a misplaced pass, and his second was a result of Uzbekistan’s relentless pressing that forced errors in Egypt’s midfield. He was unmarked in both instances, exposing gaps in Egypt’s backline that Salah couldn’t compensate for alone.
Why is Mohamed Salah missing early Egypt matches for AFCON 2025?
Salah won’t join Egypt’s squad until after Liverpool’s Premier League match against Brighton on December 13, 2025. This means he’ll miss at least three training camps and two warm-up friendlies before the Africa Cup of Nations begins on December 21. His late arrival could disrupt team cohesion just as the tournament starts.
What does Uzbekistan’s win mean for their World Cup 2026 chances?
The victory over Egypt boosts Uzbekistan’s confidence ahead of their AFC qualifiers. Though they’re not yet in the top tier of Asian football, this win proves they can beat established African sides. Their tactical discipline and depth could make them dark horses in the final round of qualifiers, especially if they maintain this level against stronger opponents like Japan or South Korea.
Is the Al Ain International Cup considered a serious tournament?
No, it’s a friendly tournament designed for preparation during the FIFA window. But its value lies in the matchups: Egypt faced a disciplined Asian side, Iran tested their resilience after a loss to Russia, and Uzbekistan proved they’re more than just a regional side. For teams preparing for AFCON or World Cup qualifiers, these games are vital for testing systems under pressure.
How did the venue and timing affect the match?
Played at Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium in Al Ain at 22:00 Tashkent time (UTC+5), the late kick-off favored Uzbekistan, whose players are accustomed to evening matches. Egypt’s squad, mostly based in Europe, faced jet lag and disrupted routines. The timing, though unusual, gave Uzbekistan a subtle edge in rhythm and recovery.
What’s the significance of Iran advancing to the final?
Iran’s 4-1 win over Cape Verde and their 2-1 loss to Russia earlier in the week show they’re still adjusting after losing key players to retirement. Facing Uzbekistan in the final gives them a chance to test their new midfield combinations against a team that plays with structure. A win would signal Iran’s return to top form ahead of their 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
