Kyrgyzstan head coach Urmatbek Abdukaimov has set an ambitious target for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup, saying he wants to lead the national team to the semi-finals. Abdukaimov outlined the team’s ambitions and preparations during an appearance on Kyrgyz Sport.
“My goal at the Asian Cup is the semi-finals. Reaching the semi-finals would be a good result for me. But the first task is to get out of the group. After that, anything can happen in the knockout stage. If the players are in good form and we play well, we will keep fighting,” Abdukaimov said.
Abdukaimov took charge of the national team on August 25, 2026, replacing Croatian coach Robert Prosinečki. His main task is to prepare Kyrgyzstan for the 2027 Asian Cup.
The early results have been encouraging: Kyrgyzstan have won both matches under Abdukaimov, defeating the Maldives 5-0 in his first game in charge before beating Lebanon 3-1.
The next stage of preparations is scheduled for the November international window. According to Abdukaimov, Kyrgyzstan are expected to face Vietnam before the players are given a short break. The team then plans to hold a training camp in the United Arab Emirates in December.
The coaching staff are also monitoring the condition of experienced players. Abdukaimov mentioned Tamirlan Kozubaev, who had been called up but suffered an injury. The defender could return for the November matches if he recovers and regains good form.
Kyrgyzstan will compete at the Asian Cup for the third consecutive edition in 2027. They have been drawn in Group C alongside Iran, Syria and China.
The national team achieved their best Asian Cup result on their tournament debut in 2019 under Alexander Krestinin. Kyrgyzstan progressed from the group stage before losing 3-2 after extra time to hosts the United Arab Emirates in the Round of 16.
At the 2023 Asian Cup, which was held in Qatar in early 2024, Kyrgyzstan were coached by Štefan Tarkovič. They finished bottom of their group with one point and failed to reach the knockout stage.