The Central Asian side lost 2-0 to Thailand on Matchday One while Saudi Arabia came from behind to beat Oman 2-1.
Advantage Saudi Arabia
This will be the third meeting between the two sides with the previous two games won by Saudi Arabia during the AFC Asian Cup 1996 qualifiers by an aggregate score of 5-0.
Unlucky
Kyrgyz Republic lost to Thailand despite outshooting their opponents 13-12 in their Matchday One tie.
Upswing
Saudi Arabia have won three of their last four group stage games at the AFC Asian Cup (L1) which is as many as they had won across their previous 12 group stage fixtures (W3 D2 L7).
Tough tacklers
Hassan Tambakti (Saudi Arabia) made eight tackles in the opening round of the AFC Asian Cup 2023, the joint-most of any player in the tournament; indeed, no team made more tackles than Saudi Arabia (28).
By Nadeem Faisal Baiga
