The Saudi national team has qualified for the Round of 16 in the 2023 AFC Asian Cup, currently taking place in Qatar, by defeating Kyrgyzstan 2-0 in their second group stage match. The Green Falcons benefited from an early numerical advantage after Kyrgyz defender Izzar Akmatov was sent off in the ninth minute following a video review for a violent challenge on Sami Al-Najai.
Saudi Arabia completely dominated the first half with numerous offensive attempts against their opponent, although they managed only a few real chances. The most threatening were a header from Feras Al-Breik, which went wide, and a cross from Saud Abdulhamid that found no recipient. Mohammed Kanno’s consistent support for the attack finally paid off, leading to the first goal, which he scored by following up on Abd Hamid's cross after a brilliant team play that saw the ball rebound off the post from a shot by Abdul Ilah Al-Maliki. The half ended with this goal, despite the Green Falcons managing 11 attempts on goal.
The nightmare of receiving a red card returned for Kyrgyzstan at the beginning of the second half, with the sending off of Kai Merk in the 52nd minute, following a similar scenario to the first red card. The referee decided this after reviewing the video, due to a violent challenge on Hassan Tambakti, who left the pitch and was replaced by forward Saleh Al-Shehri, shifting the team to a four-defender setup.
Despite expectations of a goal fest for the Green Falcons following their opponent's second red card, the team did not deliver the required offensive performance, often displaying slowness and poor finishing. They settled for adding a second goal through substitute Faisal Al-Ghamdi in the 84th minute with a powerful shot that the goalkeeper mishandled. This victory brought the Green Falcons' points to 6 at the top of the group, while Thailand dropped to second with 4 points. Oman remained in third with 1 point, and Kyrgyzstan has yet to earn any points.
