Uruguay Edge Uzbekistan 2-1 In Melaka Friendly

MELAKA, Oct 13 (Bernama) -- Uruguay continued their fine form with a 2-1 win over Uzbekistan in an international friendly at the Hang Jebat Stadium, Krubong, tonight, extending their unbeaten run on Malaysian soil.

The two-time World Cup champions, currently ranked 15th in the world, broke the deadlock in the 51st minute through Torres Peres, who fired a powerful shot past Uzbekistan goalkeeper Nematov Abduvohid.

Juan Manuel Sanabria then doubled the lead nine minutes later with a fierce strike to give Marcelo Bielsa’s men a commanding advantage.

Uzbekistan, ranked 54th and also qualified for the 2026 World Cup, refused to go down quietly and pulled one back in the 82nd minute when Jiyanov Ruslanbek reacted quickest to a loose ball after Uruguay goalkeeper Franco Israel Wibmer failed to hold a cross.

Despite the late pressure, Uruguay maintained their composure to secure back-to-back victories in Malaysia, following their 1-0 triumph over the Dominican Republic at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium last Friday.

The match served as a valuable tune-up for both teams ahead of the 2026 World Cup, with Uruguay’s attacking sharpness and disciplined defence once again proving decisive under Bielsa’s tactical guidance.

-- BERNAMA