Dostonbek Tursunov stars as Lee Man win League Cup, eyes Cristiano Ronaldo at World Cup
Dostonbek Tursunov delivered a commanding display as Lee Man claimed a 2-1 victory over Kitchee in the Hong Kong League Cup final, and the Uzbekistan international said he is eager to face Cristiano Ronaldo should he make Fabio Cannavaro’s World Cup squad. The centre-back, named man of the match, is on a 35-man longlist that will be trimmed ahead of the tournament in which Uzbekistan were drawn alongside Portugal, Colombia and DR Congo. (scmp.com)
Lee Man clinch League Cup with late second-half strikes
Lee Man broke a tight contest with two sharp second-half finishes that ultimately decided the League Cup final at Mong Kok Stadium. Everton Camargo and Noah Baffoe produced the decisive moments after a cagey first half, while Kitchee’s pressure failed to produce the equaliser their possession suggested. Asier Illarramendi’s deflected header in the 63rd minute gave Kitchee hope, but Lee Man held their lead to lift the trophy and spoil their opponents’ bid for a domestic double. (news.rthk.hk)
The victory represents a significant trophy for Lee Man in a season that has already seen the side raise its profile domestically. The final was contested in front of a modest crowd but featured intense tactical battles across the pitch, with momentum swinging after the interval. Lee Man’s ability to convert the few clear chances they created contrasted with Kitchee’s extended spells of possession that lacked cutting edge inside the penalty area. (hkfa.com)
Tursunov’s defensive mastery and match-winning presence
Dostonbek Tursunov’s physical presence and reading of the game were major factors in Lee Man’s success, earning him the man-of-the-match award. The 30-year-old centre-back marshalled the backline, neutralised Kitchee’s attempts to find space between the lines, and made several timely clearances to blunt the hosts’ attacking intent. His aerial strength and positional discipline allowed Lee Man to withstand sustained pressure, particularly in the closing stages when Kitchee sought the equaliser. (scmp.com)
Tursunov’s performance was frequently cited by onlookers as the difference between the two sides in a game where scoring opportunities were scarce. Beyond the tackles and interceptions, he helped organise Lee Man’s defensive transitions and ensured the team stayed compact when Kitchee attempted to circulate the ball. Those attributes not only earned post-match plaudits but also placed him squarely in the spotlight for national team selectors watching ahead of the World Cup. (scmp.com)
Longlist inclusion and Cannavaro’s watchful eye
Tursunov confirmed after the match that he believes head coach Fabio Cannavaro watched the game online and that his display could boost his chances of making Uzbekistan’s final World Cup roster. He is currently one of 35 players on a preliminary list that Cannavaro will reduce to the tournament limit in the weeks ahead. The longlist reflects ongoing selection decisions for a nation preparing for its first appearance on football’s biggest stage under a high-profile coach. (scmp.com)
Cannavaro’s appointment as Uzbekistan head coach late in 2025 has drawn international attention, and his presence has raised expectations around squad management and tactical identity. The former Italy defender’s experience at elite tournaments and club level is being viewed as an asset for Uzbekistan, whose qualification for the 2026 World Cup marks a historic milestone. That context makes domestic and regional fixtures such as the League Cup final meaningful audition environments for fringe internationals like Tursunov. (beinsports.com)
Group K draw sets stage for potential Ronaldo encounter
Uzbekistan were placed in Group K for the 2026 World Cup alongside Portugal, Colombia and the Democratic Republic of Congo, setting up a potential group-stage meeting with Portugal’s star players. Cristiano Ronaldo remains the defining figure of Portugal’s attack and a high-profile opponent for any defender hoping to make an impact on the global stage. For Tursunov, the prospect of facing a player of Ronaldo’s calibre is both a personal challenge and a potential career-defining moment if he reaches the tournament. (en.wikipedia.org)
The group draw creates wildly contrasting tactical challenges for Uzbekistan: Portugal offers a test of elite attacking invention and individual quality, Colombia brings South American dynamism and physicality, and DR Congo presents a blend of athleticism and directness. That variety increases the value of defenders who can adapt to different styles and maintain concentration across high-pressure matches. Cannavaro’s selection decisions will therefore likely prioritise defenders who combine aerial ability, recovery pace and experience in handling diverse attacking profiles. (en.wikipedia.org)
What Tursunov’s form means for selection and Lee Man
Being named on a 35-man longlist places Tursunov within reach of a World Cup call, but the final 26-man squad will be determined by Cannavaro’s tactical plan and the fitness of other defenders. Tursunov himself acknowledged that injuries among his compatriots could create openings, but he stressed the decision is ultimately the coach’s to make. Continued strong performances for Lee Man in the lead-up to the squad deadline will be essential if he is to convert longlist status into a place on the plane. (scmp.com)
At club level, Lee Man will be conscious that showcasing players on the international stage benefits both the individual and the domestic profile of the Hong Kong Premier League. Tursunov’s prominence in the final underlines how domestic finals and cup competitions are increasingly scrutinised by national selectors and international scouts. A World Cup appearance for a Lee Man player would also shine a light on the club’s recruitment and development strategies. (hkfa.com)
Tactical lessons from a compact Lee Man defensive structure
Lee Man’s approach in the final emphasised compactness, disciplined zonal coverage and opportunistic counter-attacking, a combination that frustrated Kitchee despite the visitors’ statistical dominance in possession. The switch from a patient first-half build to sharper, vertical play after halftime allowed Lee Man to create the openings that Camargo and Baffoe converted. For defenders like Tursunov, the game plan reduced exposure to risky one-on-one situations and instead required dominance in aerial duels and quick positional adjustments. (news.rthk.hk)
Kitchee’s game underlined the limitations of possession without penetration; their ability to control the ball in midfield did not translate into high-quality chances inside the box. Lee Man’s compact lines and rapid counter movements tested Kitchee’s transitional defence, forcing longer, less dangerous shots and a reliance on quantity rather than quality of chances. The match provided a reminder that tactical discipline and clear role definitions remain crucial in knockout matches where margins are thin. (news.rthk.hk)
The League Cup final and Tursunov’s performance are timely reminders of how domestic cup competitions can intersect with international ambitions, offering players a platform to make a case for inclusion at the highest level. Tursunov has signalled his desire to rise to that moment, and his form for Lee Man will be closely monitored as Cannavaro finalises the Uzbekistan roster. The chance to face Cristiano Ronaldo would be a high-profile test — one that, if it comes, will be watched keenly by supporters in Hong Kong, Uzbekistan and beyond.
