By Abdelaziz Abuhamar
January 9 – Uzbekistan’s goalkeeper Ignatiy Nesterov made history at the AFC Asian Cup, posting a new playing record in the Asian football showpiece.
The Uzbek, who started at his national team’s Group 6 opener against Oman today at Sharja stadium, became the first player in the history of the competition to play in five Asian Cup finals tournaments.
Following the encounter with Oman’s encounter, has played in 14 matches with his country’s national team in five consecutive AFC Asian Cup finals in 2004, 2007, 2011, 2015 and 2019 in the United Arab Emirates.
Argentina coach Hector Cuper picked the 35 year-old keeper in the starting line up that edged Oman 2-1 in their Group 6 opening win in a game where Oman dominated possession and shots on goal. Nesterov was called into action in the closing minutes to punch the ball away from goal to keep the Uzbeks in front.
Nesterov, has played more than 400 league games for clubs in the Uzbek top tier. He currently plays his club football for Lokomotiv Tashkent. He has played 97 games for his country.
Contact the writer of this story, Abdelaziz Abuhamar, at moc.l1711635148labto1711635148ofdlr1711635148owedi1711635148sni@o1711635148fni1711635148
