Can Uzbekistan Overcome a Resilient India with a 1-0 Win?

Bengaluru, May 30 (NationPress) In a tightly contested match, India faced a narrow 0-1 loss to Uzbekistan at the Padukone-Dravid Centre for Sports Excellence during the first of two FIFA International Friendlies on Friday, May 30.

After a scoreless first half, Diyorakhon Khabibullaeva netted the only goal of the encounter in the 56th minute, securing victory for Uzbekistan.

Staying true to his commitments, India's head coach Crispin Chettri infused fresh talent into the lineup, granting three players their debuts against a formidable Uzbekistan team. Attackers Manisha Naik and Malavika started from kickoff, while midfielder Priyadharshini made her debut as a substitute in the second half.

The match commenced with both sides creating opportunities, with India earning several corners. Goalkeeper Panthoi Chanu, leading the Blue Tigresses as captain, demonstrated her skills by thwarting an attempt from Nilufar Kudratova in the eighth minute.

As the match progressed, India started to find their rhythm, launching attacks into the Uzbek territory. A counter-attack led by Soumya Guguloth saw her pass to Dangmei Grace, who sprinted past the Uzbekistan defense, only to have her shot intercepted by Maftuna Jonimqulova.

Shortly after the half-hour mark, Diyorakhon chased an aerial pass, finding herself one-on-one with Panthoi. However, center-back Shilky Devi managed to stall her advance, allowing Panthoi to regain possession.

With the score still level, Coach Chettri substituted Pyari Xaxa for Manisha, pushing Grace into a midfield role. This change appeared effective initially, as India maintained prolonged possession, but it also exposed them to counter-attacks, which ultimately led to the decisive goal.

A well-executed cross from Maftuna Shoyimova found Diyorakhon, who calmly converted from close range in the 56th minute to give Uzbekistan the lead.

Diyorakhon nearly doubled her tally shortly after but failed to connect with a volley, allowing Panthoi to make an easy save.

India continued to push for an equalizer, with Pyari taking center stage. A cross from Phanjoubam Nirmala Devi was headed towards goal by Pyari but lacked the necessary power, rolling wide with 20 minutes remaining.

In the closing moments, Sumati Kumari advanced down the right and delivered a low cross to Pyari, who fired from the edge of the box. Yet, Jonimqulova made a stunning diving save to keep India at bay.

The two teams are set to clash again in the second FIFA International Friendly at the Padukone-Dravid Centre for Sports Excellence on June 3.