On Sunday, Saudi Arabia secured a comfortable 2-0 victory over a nine-man Kyrgyzstan in Group F of the 2023 AFC Asian Cup at Ahmad bin Ali Stadium. With this second consecutive win, the three-time champions have confirmed their place in the knockouts, while Kyrgyzstan remains without a point from two games.
The troubles for Kyrgyzstan began early, as Aizar Akmatov received a red card in the ninth minute for a reckless challenge on Sami Al-Naji just outside the box. Despite a valiant effort by Mohammed Al-Burayk in the resulting free-kick, Kyrgyzstani goalkeeper Erzhan Tokotaev made a flying save.
In the 27th minute, Saudi Arabia had a prime opportunity to take the lead when Al-Burayk delivered a precise cross, but Feras Al-Buraikan’s header missed the target. The opening goal for Saudi Arabia came in the 35th minute when Saud Abdulhamid crossed for Mohammed Kanno to convert after Abdulelah Al-Malki’s powerful strike hit the post.
Kyrgyzstan faced further setbacks in the second half, with Kimi Merk receiving a red card five minutes in for a heavy challenge on Hassan Tambakti. Kanno had a chance to double his tally in the 72nd minute, but his header hit the post.
In the 85th minute, substitute Faisal Al-Ghamdi secured Saudi Arabia’s second goal with a powerful shot from the edge of the area, as Tokotaev’s attempt to punch it away ended with the ball in the net.
Despite late attempts by Abdulrahman Ghareeb and Ali Al-Bulayhi, Saudi Arabia couldn’t add more goals. The Green Falcons concludes the group stage at Education City Stadium on Thursday in a top-of-the-table clash against Thailand, who currently sit second with four points after a 0-0 draw with Oman. Kyrgyzstan’s chances of advancing as one of the best-ranked third-place teams hinge on a win against Oman and favorable results elsewhere.