Almalyk (Uzbekistan): A late free kick from Maftuna Shoyimova helped Uzbekistan women’s team overcome India 1-0 in an international friendly on Monday.
Shoyimova’s inch-perfect 30-yard strike was the dash of inspiration Bahrom Norsafarov’s side needed, breaking the deadlock in the 87th minute to give the 41st-ranked Uzbekistan victory over the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2022 hosts.
The match was the first of three friendlies to be played in the Central Asian nation over the coming week, with India to face Belarus on Thursday, before Uzbekistan meet the same opposition on Sunday.
Coming into the match against a side ranked 12 places higher without Scotland-based star Bala Devi, an Indian team led by Indumathi Kathiresan stood firm despite regular pressure from the hosts.
Uzbekistan, missing one of their own standouts in Lyudmila Karachik, looked dangerous in attack but couldn’t find a breakthrough, with the woodwork and Indian goalkeeper Aditi Chauhan both responsible for keeping the match goalless after 45 minutes. (Source: AFC)
