Friendlies· Season 2026
Kyrgyz Republic U23 beat Korea Republic U23 1-0 in the Four Nations Tournament in Thailand, with substitute Yryskeldi Madanov scoring the 83rd-minute winner.
Match Analysis
AI SummaryHow It Unfolded
A goalless first half saw both sides create little of note, with Korea Republic U23 enjoying the bulk of possession but failing to break down a disciplined Kyrgyz defence marshalled by centre-backs Adilet Doolotkeldiev and Aitenir Balbakov.
Kyrgyzstan grew into the game after the interval. Midfielder Baybol Ermekov was booked in the 76th minute for a late challenge, but the visitors responded positively. Coach Urmat Abdukaimov introduced Madanov from the bench in place of Elizar Khalilov, and the substitution proved decisive.
In the 83rd minute, Madanov found space inside the Korea box and finished past goalkeeper Seung-hwan Lee to score his first goal of the season and what proved to be the winner. Korea Republic U23 pushed for an equaliser in the closing stages but could not find a way past goalkeeper Adilet Abdyrayymov and his defensive line.
The Turning Point
Abdukaimov's decision to introduce Madanov with roughly 20 minutes remaining changed the game's complexion. The substitute provided the attacking spark that had been missing, turning a tight, shapeless contest in Kyrgyzstan's favour with a composed finish.
Key Performers
Yryskeldi Madanov (Kyrgyz Republic U23) — The substitute made the decisive impact, scoring the only goal of the game just minutes after coming on. His movement off the shoulder of the last defender caused problems Korea's backline had not faced all match.
Adilet Abdyrayymov (Kyrgyz Republic U23) — The goalkeeper kept a clean sheet against a Korea side that had scored three goals against Thailand three days earlier. His command of the penalty area and handling under pressure were faultless.
Adilet Doolotkeldiev (Kyrgyz Republic U23) — The centre-back led a defensive effort that limited Korea to few clear-cut chances, winning the physical duels and organising the backline effectively.
By the Numbers — Interpreted
Korea Republic U23 dominated possession — as expected against a side they had beaten in all three previous meetings since 2018 — but could not translate it into goals. The 83rd-minute winner came from Kyrgyzstan's only shot on target in the second half, underlining the contest's fine margins.
What It Means
This was Kyrgyz Republic U23's first win against Korea Republic U23 in four meetings, ending a three-match losing streak in the fixture dating back to 2018. Korea Republic U23 finished their June friendly window with two wins (3-2 vs Thailand on 6 June) and this defeat, while Kyrgyzstan used the Four Nations Tournament as valuable preparation ahead of future AFC U23 commitments.
Verdict
A disciplined, well-organised defensive display from Kyrgyzstan, capped by a moment of quality from a substitute. Korea Republic U23 will rue their inability to break down a stubborn opponent despite controlling large periods, but the result was no fluke — the visitors earned it through structure and a clinical finish.
Rivalry since 2018
Korea Republic U23 vs Kyrgyz Republic U23 Head to Head Results· 3
Korea Republic U23 and Kyrgyz Republic U23 have met 3 times — Korea Republic U23 won 3, Kyrgyz Republic U23 won 0, with 0 draws. Their rivalry dates back to 2018. Korea Republic U23 leads the head-to-head with 3 victories from 3 meetings. A combined 8 goals have been scored across these fixtures, averaging 2.67 per match (7 for the home side, 1 for the visitors). Both teams scored in 1 match (33%). Over 2.5 goals landed in 1 game (33%), making it a fixture that tends to produce goals. Korea Republic U23 are currently unbeaten in the last 3 meetings. The highest-scoring encounter finished 5–1 in 2023.
Statistics are for informational purposes only. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
API data: 9 Jul 2026