Match Report: Qizilqum Zarafshon 0-2 Bunyodkor – Uzbekistan Cup

Date: 17 May 2026 | Venue: Yoshlar Stadium, Zarafshon

Bunyodkor secured a commanding 2-0 victory over Qizilqum Zarafshon in the Uzbekistan Cup, advancing confidently in the competition. The visitors dominated possession from the outset, and their clinical finishing made the difference on a night when the home side struggled to create clear chances.

First Half Dominance

Bunyodkor took the lead in the 23rd minute through a well-worked team move. Midfielder Jaloliddin Masharipov slipped a perfectly weighted pass to striker Khojiakbar Alijonov, who slotted calmly into the bottom corner. Qizilqum’s defence looked unsettled, and the visitors doubled their advantage just before the interval. A corner kick was met by central defender Akramjon Komilov, who powered a header past the helpless home goalkeeper.

Second Half: Qizilqum Push but Fall Short

After the break, Qizilqum Zarafshon attempted to rally. Coach Vladimir Shcherbak introduced fresh legs, but Bunyodkor’s disciplined backline, marshalled by captain Islom Tukhtakhujaev, absorbed pressure effectively. The home side’s best chance came in the 68th minute when forward Shokhrukh Makhmudov forced a sharp save from Utkir Yusupov. Despite a late flurry of corners, Qizilqum could not find a way back.

Key Performers

• Khojiakbar Alijonov (Bunyodkor) – A constant threat with his movement and finishing.
• Utkir Yusupov (Bunyodkor) – Reliable when called upon, keeping a clean sheet.
• Akramjon Komilov (Bunyodkor) – Dominant in both boxes, scoring the decisive second goal.

Match Impact

The victory keeps Bunyodkor in contention for silverware in the Uzbekistan Cup, a competition they have won three times in the past decade. For Qizilqum, elimination is a setback after a promising league campaign. The result also extends Bunyodkor’s unbeaten run against Qizilqum in all competitions to four matches.