Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) --  Iran and Uzbekistan look set to battle for the sole automatic ticket to the AFC U23 Asian Cup™ Qatar 2024 Finals after impressive wins in Group E of the Qualifiers on Wednesday.

Substitute Khusain Norchaev sizzled with a second half hat-trick as Uzbekistan defeated Afghanistan 8-1 at the Jar Stadium on Wednesday. 

Norchaev, who came on at the start of the second half with Uzbekistan leading 2-1, opened his account in the 47th minute with his additional goals coming in the 52nd and 86th minutes. 

 Captain Jasurbek Jaloliddinov had given the 2022 runners-up the lead in the 12th minute with defender Alibek Jiyanov doubling their advantage in the 36th minute.

Omid Musawi's 42nd minute effort gave Afghanistan some hope but Norchaev's hat-trick, added to Jaloliddinov's second of the match in the 53rd minute and strikes from Alisher Odilov (88th) and Muhammadkodir Hamraliev (90+1) completed the emphatic win. 

 Uzbekistan meet Hong Kong, China next on Saturday while Afghanistan play Iran.