TASHKENT // Arabian Gulf League leaders Al Jazira, playing without leading scorer Mirko Vucinic, crashed out of the Asian Champions League ahead of the group stages, losing 2-1 to Bunyodkor on Tuesday.
Jazira were nearly toothless without their Montenegrin striker, who has scored 19 goals in 15 league matches.
The defeat in the play-off match in the Uzbek capital means Jazira will not participate in the Champions League group stage for the first time since 2008. The capital club had played in the final 16 last season and in 2012.
Ali Mabkhout supplied Jazira’s goal on a penalty just before the break, after the Iranian referee ruled that the Bunyodkor goalkeeper Akbar Turaev had taken down winger Jonathan Pitroipa in the area.
Mabkhout’s goal cancelled out Bunyodkor’s 23rd-minute goal, which came when Vokhid Shodiev tapped in after a botched Jazira clearance in front of goal. Basheer Saeed mis-hit the ball, which deflected off the back of teammate Abdullah Mousa and fell in the path of the Uzbek midfielder.
Sardor Rashidov scored the winner in the 52nd minute, breaking free from Saif Khalfan and chipping a composed shot over Jazira goalkeeper Khaled Al Sinani, who came charging off his line.
Bunyodkor, the fourth-place club in the Uzbek League in 2014, now join Group A with Persepolis of Iran, Al Nassr of Saudi Arabia and Lekhwiya of Qatar.
Manuel Lanzini was one of the few standouts for Jazira. The diminutive midfielder from Argentina dominated the middle third of the pitch, but without Vucinic he had few targets in a scoring position.
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Biog
Mr Kandhari is legally authorised to conduct marriages in the gurdwara
He has officiated weddings of Sikhs and people of different faiths from Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Russia, the US and Canada
Father of two sons, grandfather of six
Plays golf once a week
Enjoys trying new holiday destinations with his wife and family
Walks for an hour every morning
Completed a Bachelor of Commerce degree in Loyola College, Chennai, India
2019 is a milestone because he completes 50 years in business
THE LIGHT
Director: Tom Tykwer
Starring: Tala Al Deen, Nicolette Krebitz, Lars Eidinger
Rating: 3/5
The Brutalist
Director: Brady Corbet
Stars: Adrien Brody, Felicity Jones, Guy Pearce, Joe Alwyn
Rating: 3.5/5
MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League final:
Who: Real Madrid v Liverpool
Where: NSC Olimpiyskiy Stadium, Kiev, Ukraine
When: Saturday, May 26, 10.45pm (UAE)
TV: Match on BeIN Sports
2025 Fifa Club World Cup groups
Group A: Palmeiras, Porto, Al Ahly, Inter Miami.
Group B: Paris Saint-Germain, Atletico Madrid, Botafogo, Seattle.
Group C: Bayern Munich, Auckland City, Boca Juniors, Benfica.
Group D: Flamengo, ES Tunis, Chelsea, Leon.
Group E: River Plate, Urawa, Monterrey, Inter Milan.
Group F: Fluminense, Borussia Dortmund, Ulsan, Mamelodi Sundowns.
Group G: Manchester City, Wydad, Al Ain, Juventus.
Group H: Real Madrid, Al Hilal, Pachuca, Salzburg.
Dr Afridi's warning signs of digital addiction
Spending an excessive amount of time on the phone.
Neglecting personal, social, or academic responsibilities.
Losing interest in other activities or hobbies that were once enjoyed.
Having withdrawal symptoms like feeling anxious, restless, or upset when the technology is not available.
Experiencing sleep disturbances or changes in sleep patterns.
What are the guidelines?
Under 18 months: Avoid screen time altogether, except for video chatting with family.
Aged 18-24 months: If screens are introduced, it should be high-quality content watched with a caregiver to help the child understand what they are seeing.
Aged 2-5 years: Limit to one-hour per day of high-quality programming, with co-viewing whenever possible.
Aged 6-12 years: Set consistent limits on screen time to ensure it does not interfere with sleep, physical activity, or social interactions.
Teenagers: Encourage a balanced approach – screens should not replace sleep, exercise, or face-to-face socialisation.
Source: American Paediatric Association
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Kumulus Water
Started: 2021
Founders: Iheb Triki and Mohamed Ali Abid
Based: Tunisia
Sector: Water technology
Number of staff: 22
Investment raised: $4 million
The specs
Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo
Power: 398hp from 5,250rpm
Torque: 580Nm at 1,900-4,800rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed auto
Fuel economy, combined: 6.5L/100km
On sale: December
Price: From Dh330,000 (estimate)
