Tashkent: Head coach Timur Alimkhodjayev believes his Uzbekistan side must learn not fear anyone if they are to reach the final four of this year's AFC U-16 Championship in India.
The Uzbeks, who won the title in 2012, found themselves in Group D alongside reigning champions DPR Korea, a highly rated Thailand side and 2002 runners-up Yemen, following the competition's official draw in Goa on Thursday.
With the U-16 semi-finalists guaranteed a spot at the 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup, Alimkhodjayev is adamant that his charges have to focus on themselves rather than others if they are to achieve their aims.
"At this age all teams are equal. My players are preparing well and I am teaching them not to worry about who our opponents are," the 61-year-old tactician declared.
“Our undoubted goal is to reach the FIFA U-17 World Cup, but for now we must concentrate on our training and build-up and ensure that all the players stay as fit as possible.”
AFC U-16 Championship India 2016 draw concluded
AFC U-16 Championship India 2016: Groups in detail
Despite the confidence emanating from the Uzbekistan camp. Alimkhodjayev is more than aware that anything less than top spot in Group D could see his team face two-time winners Korea Republic (from Group C) in the quarter-finals – something which he is eager to avoid.
“I absolutely need to plan to finish first so that we can face either Iraq or Oman,” he said.
“I really do not want to meet Korea Republic (in the quarter-finals). But we know the teams we will be facing in Group D.
“We know that DPR Korea are tall and physically strong, while we recently beat Yemen. Thailand will be a tricky opponent so we need to plan for that.”
Uzbekistan already have two friendlies against Belarus planned for June and others are expected to be confirmed in due course.
Source: the-afc.com