Diyorakhon Khabibullaeva struck the solitary aim because the Indian ladies’s football staff went down 0-1 to Uzbekistan in the primary of two FIFA International Friendlies, in Bengaluru on Friday (May 30, 2025).
After a goalless first half, Khabibullaeva broke the impasse in the 56th minute to safe the win for the hosts.
The two groups will face off once more in the second friendly on June 3.
India earned a couple of corners early on, whereas goalkeeper Panthoi Chanu did effectively to preserve the Uzbekistan attackers at bay in the opening exchanges.
Panthoi, who marched in because the captain on Friday (May 30, 2025), did particularly effectively to gather the ball from Nilufar Kudratova in the eighth minute, after the Uzbekistan ahead was performed via behind the India defence.
As the sport wore on, India started to acquire extra composure, constructing their very own assaults in the Uzbek third.
Soumya Guguloth, on the counter, threaded a move via to Dangmei Grace, who had raced previous the Uzbekistan again line and solely had the goalkeeper to beat. However, Maftuna Jonimqulova rushed out of her line and snatched the ball from the India ahead’s toes.
Somewhat after the half-hour mark, Diyorakhon ran on to an aerial via ball and had simply Panthoi to beat. However, India centre-back Shilky Devi confirmed good presence of thoughts to include the Uzbekistan ahead along with her bodily presence, permitting Panthoi a while to snatch the ball.
India coach Chettri introduced striker Pyari Xaxa into the sport as a substitute of Manisha Naik, thus pushing Grace into midfield.
The transfer appeared to have been working in the preliminary levels of the second half, as India started to get pleasure from lengthy bouts of possession in the Uzbekistan half. However, it additionally left them extra prone to a counter-attack, which resulted in the deciding aim.
Maftuna Shoyimova, who was freed down the left flank, despatched in a pinpoint cross into the India field. Diyorakhon tapped it in from shut vary in the 56th minute to give her aspect the lead.
Diyorakhon had an opportunity to double the lead on the hour mark when she tried to volley one other cross, this time from the left, however the ahead couldn’t join with the ball as Panthoi plucked it out of the air.
India went trying to find the equaliser with Pyari being the focus. Phanjoubam Nirmala Devi despatched in a looping cross from the best, which was headed goalwards by Pyari. However, the header lacked energy and rolled vast with round 20 minutes to go.
Sumati Kumari, advancing down the best wing, despatched a low cross to Pyari in the closing levels. The Indian striker trapped the ball and pulled the set off from the sting of the field. However, Jonimqulova did effectively to produce a diving save to preserve India out.
Published – May 31, 2025 05:39 am IST
