Uzbekistan's vice-champion Pakhtakor played its second fixture in the main stage of the AFC Champions League Elite, hosting Saudi Arabian side Al-Qadsiah at home. The match proved to be a challenging test for the Tashkent team, who struggled for long periods against a well-organized opposition.

The deadlock was broken in the 35th minute when Tijani Reijnders found the back of the net to put the visitors in the lead. Despite making several tactical substitutions in the second half, the home side found it difficult to break through the resilient defensive lines of the Saudi club.

Salvation for Pakhtakor came in the dying moments of the game when a penalty was awarded in the 89th minute. Dostonbek Hamdamov stepped up and coolly converted from the spot, rescuing a crucial point and avoiding a home defeat as the match ended 1-1.

This marks Pakhtakor's second consecutive draw in the tournament following their 1-1 stalemate against Al-Ahli. With two points from two games, the Tashkent outfit will look forward to their next fixture on October 26 away against Iraq's Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya.

Source: kun.uz