AFC Women's Asian Cup
Despite a slow start, Uzbekistan got the job done, scoring three goals in the second half with Nilufar Kudratova’s 88th-minute strike securing the Central Asian side’s advancement to the Australia 2026 knockout as one of the two best third-placed teams.
#WAC2026 | Group B: Bangladesh 0-4 Uzbekistan
“To win a game like that, a decisive match to get out of the group stage, is a huge moment for us,” said Kulbyte. “We are participating after a 23-year absence and now it’s the first time in our history that we’ve advanced from the group stage.
“There are so many big moments in this achievement and I’m very proud of my team. They did a great job and all applause goes to the players.
“It’s a historical moment, not just to take part here, but to advance from the group stage. I believe this achievement will have an impact back home, inspiring the young generation and influencing decisions in the country. It’s not only about us – it’s about the Uzbek people, the community, and the growth of women’s football.”
“There are so many big moments in this achievement and I’m very proud of my team. They did a great job and all applause goes to the players.
“It’s a historical moment, not just to take part here, but to advance from the group stage. I believe this achievement will have an impact back home, inspiring the young generation and influencing decisions in the country. It’s not only about us – it’s about the Uzbek people, the community, and the growth of women’s football.”
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Diyorakhon Khabibullaeva opened the scoring in the 10th minute but Uzbekistan struggled to further their advantage against a determined Bangladesh side, who were playing in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup for the first time.
“Bangladesh are a great team. A young squad with a lot of potential and a bright future. They’re moving in the right direction and it’s always great to play against them."
“Bangladesh are a great team. A young squad with a lot of potential and a bright future. They’re moving in the right direction and it’s always great to play against them."
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“We played a slightly different style compared to our first two games, but that’s the nature of a tournament – you face different challenges in every match. It’s never easy, especially for young players. I’m very pleased with how the game went.
“So once again, great job, ladies. This victory is for the team.”
“So once again, great job, ladies. This victory is for the team.”
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Bangladesh head coach Peter Butler was left disappointed after seeing his side suffer a third consecutive defeat.
“I thought at times the scoreline was not a true reflection of how the game went. We had long periods where we played better football,” said Butler. “But we’re playing against a team ranked 60 or 70 places higher than us in the FIFA rankings and physically they are stronger."
“I thought at times the scoreline was not a true reflection of how the game went. We had long periods where we played better football,” said Butler. “But we’re playing against a team ranked 60 or 70 places higher than us in the FIFA rankings and physically they are stronger."
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“We played some really good football at times. Sometimes it feels like going into a fight with one arm tied behind your back. So of course the final result is disappointing but I have nothing but praise for the girls. I have a lot of respect for them and I’m very proud. They’ve come a long way.”
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