Tajikistan made history on Sunday evening as the central Asian Nation progressed to the quarter-finals of the AFC Asian Cup with a 5-3 penalty victory over the UAE. In a landmark moment for the team under the guidance of Petar Šegrt who dominated the contest before conceding a heartbreaking equaliser in the fifth minute of stoppage time. Yet Tajikistan would not bow and showed incredible character to win the penalty shoot-out. 

UAE attacker Fabio Lima signalled the intent of his side early on as a fierce freekick forced Rustam Yatimov into an early save with the game a few minutes old. Whilst Caio Canedo was guilty of spurning a chance well over the bar from a few yards out. 

The complexion of the contest changed with 15 minutes on the clock influential UAE midfielder Abdullah Ramadan came off with a hamstring injury, taking some momentum from Paulo Bento's side. Tajikistan grew to the task at hand and found their way into the contest. Midfielder Shervoni Mabatshoev latched onto an inch-perfect through ball from Alisher Dzhalilov but his poked effort past the onrushing Khalid Eisa went wide. 

The Crowns continued to press and pressure the UAE and their hard work was deservedly rewarded as two defenders combined. A loose ball was chased down by Zoir Dzhuraboyev on the right byline, his perfect cross picked out Vakhdat Khanonov who outjumped his marker and crashed his header out of the reach of a sprawling Eisa. 

The UAE kicked into life with winger Yahya Al-Ghassani becoming the main focus of the attack. A deep cross found Zayed Sultan all alone in the box, but his tame volley was greatly gathered by Tajikistan keeper Rustam Yatimov. The Emirates came close to parity as the first half came to a close. A quick corner from Fabio Lima found Caio Canedo and the near time, but his first-time shot flew just wide. Whilst VAR ruled out a penalty for the UAE after Parvizdzhon Umarbayev was not adjudged to have deliberately handled the ball. 

Paulo Bento demanded a reaction in the second half but it was Tajikistan who created the chances of note on the counter. Ehson Panjshanbe who offered so much drive in midfield found himself on the edge on the UAE box, his curling goalbound effort was well palmed away by Issa. As the UAE dominated the ball and pressed, more gaps opened up for the central Asian nation.

 Alisher Dzhalilov had two clear chances to put Tajikistan out of sight just before the hour mark, first he found himself one on one with the keeper, but Issa came out on top with a good save. Whilst a second chance fell moments later his shot evaded the keeper but Zayed Sultan was on hand to clear the ball away. 

Tajikistan worked doggedly, staying compact defensively and surging forward at any possible chance. Dzhalilov, who had been central to their attacking prowess really should have made it 2-0 on the 70-minute mark. Shahrom Samiev won the ball deep in UAE territory and pushed into the penalty area his perfect cross picked out Dzhalilov, but the number 10 lacked the composure to put the contest beyond doubt. 

The UAE desperately pushed for parity, but in truth, the workrate of Tajikistan kept them at bay for the majority of the contest until the very death. Substitute Ali Saleh charged into the box, but his driven strike smashed against the side netting. Whilst Yahya Al-Ghassani smashed the woodwork with a curling effort from outside the box. In the fifth minute of stoppage time, the UAE struck. Khalifa Al Hammadi flicked a header into the net, sparking pandemonium in the stands and on the UAE bench. 

The UAE fans in the stand were vocal heading into extra-time, urging their country to take advantage of tired Tajiki legs, although the best chance they could muster was a long shot from substitute Ali Salmeen which was far from impressive as it sailed over the bar. The second half of extra-time provided little glimpses of quality with both sets of players eyeing the impending penalty shootout. 

Penalties are the cruel mistress, as UAE attacker Caio Canedo saw his tame penalty saved, you felt that Tajikistan had the upper hand and that was evident as four other Crown players tucked their penalties away. Alisher Shukurov slotted the ball home to spark scenes of unbridled joy. Now a quarter-final clash against Jordan or Iraq awaits for Tajikistan.