Babayan takes over from Kasimov

Pakhtakor head coach Samvel Babayan has been appointed as the successor to Mirdjalal Kasimov as the manager of the Uzbekistan national team.

Kasimov stepped down from the position following the White Wolves' surprisingly defeat to North Korea in their World Cup qualifier earlier this month.

Kasimov's tenure had started well, leading the country the quarter-finals of the Asian Cup, where they lost 2-0 in extra time to South Korea.

Thereafter, a disappointing run of results followed, including defeats to Iran and Japan, before their fateful loss to DPR Korea.

Babayan has extensive experience managing in the AFC Champions League and recently guided Pakhtakor to their 10th Uzbekistan league title in 2014, finishing the season unbeaten.

Babayan's first match in charge of the national team will be against Philippines in a World Cup qualifier on September 8.