The National U20 team the Black Satellites shrugged off an early scare in the second half to beat a resolute Uzbekistan side by 2 goals to 1 in Group D of the ongoing championship.
Karimov shot the Asians ahead, a minute from recess after a goalless, yet electrifying first half which saw the Satellites dominate play, but messing up some decent chances.
Ranford Osei and Dominic Adiyiah saved the blushes of the Satellites with well taken strikes, much to the relief of the African Champions.
The Satellites started more determined and more skillful with some sweet touches in midfield but their crosses on the left from Addy left much to be desired.
The Uzbekistan side looked well composed in defence, and had a well rehearsed strategy to frustrate the Satellites work to perfection in the first half, thwarting the sublime attacks from the Satellites.
Skipper Dede Ayew operating mostly from the right, outwitted his markers on many occasions but his final touch let him and the team down, leaving strikers Adiyiah and Ransford Osei starving from supplies.
Osei on his weaker left foot shot feebly into the waiting arms of Kuvvatov in the 23rd minute after a splendid one-two pass with Rabiu Mohammed.
The Asians briefly took control of the game midway into the first half but failed to create any meaningful goal scoring opportunity.
The closest they came was in 42nd minute after a powerful cross on the right cut across the face of goal, needing only a touch from Karimov to cause havoc, but the Satellites escaped unscathed.
Back from recess, the Asians shot into the lead in the 46th minute when Karimov latched unto a superb cross from Khassanov and shot from close range beating Adjei in post for the Satellites.
With a soared confidence the Asians pressed for more goals keeping the Satellites on the defensive, but that was short-lived.
The Satellites took the game to their opponents with rampaging runs on the right by Samuel Inkoom but the opponents dealt with the crosses.
The Satellites after persistent attacks got the equalizer in the 60th minute when the rather quiet Ransford Osei controlled a delectable cross from David Addy and chipped the ball above the approaching goal keeper.
The match winner came from Dominic Adiyiah in the 75th after similar cross, this time on the right from Inkoom, brushed off the head of Rabiu and went straight to Adiyiah who was in the 6 yard box.
He kept a cool head and fired home for a well deserved win for the Satellites.
Story by Nathan Gadugah/Myjoyonline.com/Ghana
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