Goalkeeper Utkir Yusupov was the hero of the side, saving a first half penalty from Kang Kuk Chol to preserve the lead Jaloliddin Masharipov had given Uzbekistan in the 20th minute.

Uzbekistan fired an early warning with AS Roma forward Eldor Shomurodov showing why he’s one of the most feared Asian strikers, producing a smart turn on the edge of the box before unleashing a shot that forced Kang Ju Hyok to make a diving save.

The White Wolves, however, were not to be denied in the 20th minute when Masharipov exchanged passes with Sherzod Nasrullaev before sweeping home the opener to send the home crowd into raptures.

VSrecko Katanec’s side continued to create good chances, Shomurodov only just missed connecting to a Uston Uronov square pass then Odiljon Xamrobekov drilled a shot just wide after being fed by Shomurodov.

Those misses nearly came back to haunt Uzbekistan in the 40th minute but goalkeeper Yusupov denied Kang from the penalty spot after the Korean midfielder was brought down by Xamrobekov.

DPR Korea looked more composed after the interval with Kang and Kim Kuk Bom seeing more of the ball, albeit finding it difficult to break through an Uzbekistan defence well-marshalled by the experienced Umarbek Eshmurodov.

Forced to resort to shots from distance, Kim’s swerving effort from 25 yards out had Yusupov scrambling to his right to palm the ball out for a corner kick but that was as close as DPR Korea got to levelling the tie.

Up next for Uzbekistan is a Central Asian derby against Kyrgyz Republic in Bishkek while DPR Korea will meet Qatar in Vientiane, Cambodia.
MATCH STATS