Korea Republic men’s U-23 national team claimed a hard-fought stalemate against Uzbekistan.

Hwang Sunhong’s side drew 1-1 with the Uzbeks in a friendly at Hwaseong Sports Complex on Monday, with substitute Cho Hyuntaek’s 79th minute free-kick cancelling out Ruslan Jiyanov’s opener four minutes into the second half.

Having shared the spoils in another 1-1 draw with the same opponents on Friday, Korea Republic rounded off the two-game series with as many draws. Hwang’s charges are hoping to build on these results as they aim to qualify for their tenth consecutive Olympic finals at Paris 2024.

The match got off to a scintillating start with both sides making attack-minded approaches from the outset. The visitors almost drew first blood after three minutes, when Ibrokhim Ibrajimov’s header off a Jasurbek Jaloliddinov corner went just wide. Three minutes later, Oh Hyeongyu broke into the area against the run of play, only to drag his shot straight at Vladimir Nazarov.

Goh Youngjoon then received a headed pass by An Jaejun following a long ball from the middle of the park, but the No10 could only miscue his effort with only the keeper to beat.

Chances were at a premium until midway through the first half, before the Uzbeks began to take control with pressure and pace. Jiyanov’s curling effort from the edge of the area was denied by Kim Jeonghoon on 20 minutes. The hosts found themselves on the back foot with the visitors firing on all cylinders.

At the opposite end, Goh saw his free-kick blocked by the wall of defenders as the men in red clawed their way against the run of play. They struggled to find a breakthrough against the stubborn Uzbek rearguard as the half wore on. Hwang Jaewon’s cross following a neat Jung Hanmin pass found Oh Hyeongyu lurking into the goalmouth, but the Suwon starlet could not convert it from close range.

Korea Republic coach Hwang Sunhong made two changes during the interval, with Hong Sihoo and Lee Jinyoung coming off the bench to replace Jung Hanmin and Yoon Sukju. However, his attacking substitutions backfired soon after the break, as Jiyanov opened the scoring on 49 minutes with a clinical finish off a Khusain Norchaev cross from the right.

The hosts fought back after the hour mark, with Oh firing a low shot straight at Nazarov. Moments later, Goh exchanged a one-two with Oh Jaehyeok before taking his shot in front of goalmouth. Another chances came midway through the second half, although the hosts still struggled to break through the solid resistance from the Uzbeks.

Hwang reshuffled his side in central rearguard and midfield, and the switch finally paid dividends on 79 minutes. Cho Hyuntaek stepped up to take a free-kick from the edge of the area, and the Bucheon fullback fired an unstoppable effort into the top corner with his left foot. The Taegeuk Warriors geared up and went forward in search of a winner in the closing minutes, though they had to be content with a 1-1 draw.

Korea Republic U-23 national team international friendly presented by Hana Bank

Korea Republic 1-1 Uzbekistan

Scorers: Jiyanov (UZB) 49’, Cho Hyuntaek (KOR) 79’

KOR: Kim Jeonghoon; Park Kyuhyun (Cho Hyuntaek 76’), Byeon Junsoo, Cho Sunggwon (Cho Wije 73’), Hwang Jaewon; Jung Hanmin (Hong Sihoo 46’), Oh Jaehyeok (Lee Hyunju 73’), Yoon Sukju (Lee Jinyoung 46’), An Jaejun; Oh Hyeongyu, Goh Youngjoon (Kwon Hyeokkyu 90’+1)