Milliy Stadium Greets a Convincing Debut
The first round on the road to the 2026 Asian Cup in Group F went perfectly for the hosts. On the turf of Tashkent’s Milliy Stadium, Kadyrbek Elmuratov’s charges recorded a commanding 10–0 clean-sheet victory over Sri Lanka, immediately declaring their ambition to finish top.
Kudratova’s Lightning Brace Sets the Tone Early
Just two minutes in, striker Nilufar Kudratova opened the scoring, and sixty seconds later she doubled her tally, shattering the visitors’ back-line morale. That early brace broke Sri Lanka’s resistance and allowed the Uzbek players to pour forward down both wings.
Habibullayeva Hat-Trick and More: An Attacking Spectacle
The goal fest continued through Lyudmila Karachik, who notched her own brace in the 18th and 19th minutes after intricate midfield interplay. The scoreboard read 4–0 at half-time, but the second half proved even more emphatic:
- Nilufar Kudratova brought her haul to four (52nd and 73rd minutes).
- Diyorakhon Habibullayeva completed a classic hat-trick, striking in the 31st, 87th and 88th minutes.
- Attacking midfielder Maftuna Shoiymova put the final stamp on the match in the 68th minute, capitalising on the goalkeeper’s error.
Team statistics impress: 27 shots, 14 on target, 71 % possession, and a spotless defence that did not allow Umida Khamraeva’s goal to face a single dangerous effort.
Group F Picture: Uzbekistan and Nepal Share the Lead
In the group’s other fixture Nepal hammered Laos 9–0, leaving both winners level on three points with imposing goal differences. Thanks to the larger goal haul, Uzbekistan sit atop the table.
What to Expect From the 2 July Fixtures
In the second round Uzbekistan travel to Laos looking to consolidate their lead and clinch early progression. On the same day Sri Lanka will host Nepal. Considering that both points and goal difference count, a dramatic day lies ahead.
From 1995 to Today: A Path of Growth
The Uzbekistan women’s national team has been steadily rising since its international debut in 1995. After success in Central Asian championships and AFC regional tournaments, the current 2026 Asian Cup qualifying campaign could prove the brightest yet for this talented squad. Rapid wingers, a sturdy midfield block and an in-form forward line make the team not only favourites to advance but also a potential contender to make noise in the finals.
