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AFC Women's Asian Cup
At an early age, football became a form of escape for Karachik that eventually turned into something more as she led Uzbekistan to a return to the AFC Women’s Asian Cup™ after a 23-year absence.
From her beginnings to helping Uzbekistan overcome their heartbreak, the 30-year-old sat down with the-AFC.com to share her experience.
From her beginnings to helping Uzbekistan overcome their heartbreak, the 30-year-old sat down with the-AFC.com to share her experience.
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“Unfortunately, I had a difficult childhood. At seven years old, my mother left me in an orphanage and it was football that became my consolation and my meaning of life,” said Karachik.
“I was seven years old when I started playing in the yard with the boys and gathered with everyone else to learn the game.
“I kept on playing until the age of 15 when I was spotted and offered a place at the Sevinch academy, that’s when I decided that this game was to be my future.”
“I was seven years old when I started playing in the yard with the boys and gathered with everyone else to learn the game.
“I kept on playing until the age of 15 when I was spotted and offered a place at the Sevinch academy, that’s when I decided that this game was to be my future.”
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Progression came fast for the talented Karachik with Uzbekistan Under-19 head coach Elmira Gulamova identifying her at the age of 16 to embark on his first taste of international football.
Karachik was on a fast track through the age groups and was already part of the senior team squad in 2006 but the forward had to wait a year before breaking her duck at international level.
That came in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup India 2018 Qualifiers against Hong Kong, China with the second and third goal coming in the subsequent match against India where Uzbekistan won 7-1.
While there was euphoria that came from scoring her first international goals, disappointment quickly followed as Uzbekistan lost their next two matches against DPR Korea and Korea Republic to miss out on a place in the Finals.
Karachik was on a fast track through the age groups and was already part of the senior team squad in 2006 but the forward had to wait a year before breaking her duck at international level.
That came in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup India 2018 Qualifiers against Hong Kong, China with the second and third goal coming in the subsequent match against India where Uzbekistan won 7-1.
While there was euphoria that came from scoring her first international goals, disappointment quickly followed as Uzbekistan lost their next two matches against DPR Korea and Korea Republic to miss out on a place in the Finals.
The disappointment became fuel for Karachik and company for the 2026 Qualifiers with Uzbekistan sealing their Finals berth after an epic tussle with Nepal, advancing as group winners following a 4-2 win on penalties after a 3-3 draw in extra time.
“For us, the main goal was to win and give our country a long-awaited victory and qualification for the Asian Cup. During the penalty shootout, our whole team prayed and kept believing in victory and in the end, luck was also on our side.
“First of all, this is the result of the hard work of our entire team, from the players to the coaching staff and everyone in the supporting staff and the federation.
“This is all down to the support of our management and the conditions that are created all the way from the top for the development of football in our country.”
“For us, the main goal was to win and give our country a long-awaited victory and qualification for the Asian Cup. During the penalty shootout, our whole team prayed and kept believing in victory and in the end, luck was also on our side.
“First of all, this is the result of the hard work of our entire team, from the players to the coaching staff and everyone in the supporting staff and the federation.
“This is all down to the support of our management and the conditions that are created all the way from the top for the development of football in our country.”
Looking ahead to Australia 2026 where Uzbekistan are drawn in Group B together with three-time winners DPR Korea, reigning champions China PR and debutants Bangladesh, the Central Asian side are due to kick-off their campaign against DPR Korea at Western Sydney Stadium on March 3.
With the competition also serving as Qualifiers to the FIFA Women’s World Cup Brazil 2027, Karachik is taking cue from something closer to home to be their aim for the tournament.
The Uzbekistan men’s qualified for their first FIFA World Cup after a successful AFC Asian Qualifiers™ – Road to 26 campaign and now Karachik is hopeful to see the women’s team achieve the same with six automatic slots on offer at Australia 2026.
With the competition also serving as Qualifiers to the FIFA Women’s World Cup Brazil 2027, Karachik is taking cue from something closer to home to be their aim for the tournament.
The Uzbekistan men’s qualified for their first FIFA World Cup after a successful AFC Asian Qualifiers™ – Road to 26 campaign and now Karachik is hopeful to see the women’s team achieve the same with six automatic slots on offer at Australia 2026.
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“Indeed, our men's national team has shown amazing results in the last two years and made the whole country happy. We hope to continue the chain and qualify for the World Cup.
“My personal wish is to play in the Finals against a strong opponent and show all the fans a fantastic match.”
“My personal wish is to play in the Finals against a strong opponent and show all the fans a fantastic match.”
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