Above: The Uzbekistan Women’s National Team lines up. Image: AFC.
The Uzbekistan Women’s National Team is making their long awaited return to the Asian Cup. From their first year as an official team in 1995 to 2003, they played in every Asian Cup group stage, but then they fell off the map.
In 2018, Uzbekistan found success in tournament football for the first time, winning the inaugural Central Asian Championship. They went on to retain their title in 2022.They are also prepared to host the 2029 Women’s Asian Cup, becoming the first central Asian to do so.
They will compete in Group B against China, Bangladesh, and North Korea.
Squad:
Goalkeepers: Maftuna Jonimqulova (Sevinch), Kumushoy Gulomova (Sogdiana), Zarina Saidova (Bunyodkor)
Defenders: Maftuna Shoyimova (Sevinch), Kamila Zaripova (Trabzonspor), Madina Khikmatova (Qizilqum), Ugiloy Kuchkorava (Sevinch), Leyla Oraniyaova (OKMK), Laylo Tilovova (Sogdiana), Dilrabo Asadova (Zvezda 2005)
Midfielders: Umida Zoirova (Sevinch), Ilvina Ablyakimova (Bunyodkor), Zarina Mamatkarimova (Sevinch), Asalkhon Aminjanova (OKMK), Feruza Turdiboeva (OKMK), Diyora Bakhtiyarova (Bunyodkor), Gulzoda Amirova (Sevinch), Kholida Dadaboeva (Bunyodkor), Shodiya Tosheva (Sevinch), Soliha Husniddinova (Kocaeli Bayan)
Forwards: Nilufar Kudratova (Sevinch), Diyorakhon Khabibullaeva (Trabzonspor), Lyudmila Karachik (Sevinch), Dildora Nozimova (Metallurg Bekabad), Ominakhon Valikhanova (Lokomotiv)
Head Coach:
In charge since January 2025, Kotryna Kulbytė has already done great work to restore Uzbekistan’s place on the Asian stage. The Lithuanian has experience at multiple levels, including as a boys youth coach and with the Lithuanian U-15 and U-17 women’s teams. She was also the head coach of FK Vilnius from 2020-2022 and as an assistant for the Lithuanian senior national team. She has her UEFA PRO-level license and works in coaching education as a UEFA instructor for B and C licenses.
Asian Cup History:
Uzbekistan will be making a long-awaited return to the continental stage, having failed to qualify since 2003. The team made 6 appearances in the earlier years of the Asian Cup, playing in every group stage from 1995 to 2003.
How They Qualified:
Uzbekistan qualified as the winners of qualification Group F in dramatic fashion. Ending the stage level on points and goal difference, Uzbekistan and Nepal had their fate decided with a penalty shootout, Uzbekistan winning 4-2. Previous to their 3-3 draw with Nepal, they recorded a 10-0 win over Sri Lanka and a 7-0 win over Laos.
Strengths:
Uzbekistan have been doing quite well since Kulbytė took over, recovering after a rough start and going on to get good results against some fellow Asian Cup teams. The defensive qualities have been on display, not conceding a single goal in their eight victories in 2025. They only conceded in their losses and draws. Impressive results include a 2-2 draw against the Philippines, two 1-0 wins over India, and two victories of Iran. Uzbekistan also posts a lot of high scores.
Development Areas:
The next level for Uzbekistan is upping their game management skill. Against Nepal in qualification, Uzbekistan scored two early goals but allowed the game to result in a 3-3 draw and result in a close penalty shootout. They need to control matches and keep the upper hand when they get it.
Key Players:
Lyudmila Karachik is Uzbekistan’s top scorer with 38 goals in just 30 recorded appearances. She has been a part of the national team since 2011. She plays for Sevinch in the Uzbekistan Women’s Championship. The 31-year old forward has been the face of the national team for years, starting her impressive scoring form in 2018 and sticking with it ever since.
Diyorakhon Khabibullaeva is one of few players who plays outside of Uzbekistan, playing for Trabzonspor FC in Turkiye. She reportedly has 43 goals in 37 appearances for Uzbekistan. The 26-year old is in the prime of her career and will be crucial in leading Uzbekistan on their positive trajectory.
Maftuna Shoimova is a 27-year old player who can play in midfield and defense, her versatility adding to Uzbekistan’s growing defensive capabilities. Even listed as a defender, she has 12 goals in her 34 appearances. She plays for Sevinch in Uzbekistan, alongside many of her international teammates.
One to Watch:
One of the youngest players — and one of the most prolific scorers — in the Uzbekistan squad is Asalkhon Aminjanova. The young midfielder has 10 goals in 10 appearances. This Asian Cup could be a real breakout for the 18-year old. She plays for OKMK in Uzbekistan.
Success Would Be:
Winning a game and scoring a few goals would go a long way for Uzbekistan’s confidence. In their return to major tournament football, they will not be expected to advance beyond the group stage. Getting a point or three would be successful.
Prediction:
A group stage exit seems most likely for Uzbekistan, but they could get a result.
Fixtures:
3rd March — North Korea vs Uzbekistan, 1pm, Western Sydney Stadium
6th March — Uzbekistan vs China, 7pm, Western Sydney Stadium
9th March — Bangladesh vs Uzbekistan, 5pm, Perth Rectangular Stadium
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