Tashkent, May 31 (PTI) The Indian women's national football team conceded three goals in the second half and suffered a 3-0 defeat against Uzbekistan in their first international friendly match at the Bunyodkor Stadium on Friday.
After the first half ended in a goalless draw, striker Khabibulaeva Diora scored a hat-trick to give the hosts a comfortable victory.
Read also | Uganda T20 World Cup 2024 Complete Schedule, Free PDF Download Online: Get Uganda Cricket Team Fixtures and Schedule with Match Timings at IST Venue and Matches team details.
In a balanced first half, the Blue Tigers defense showed tenacity and physicality to ensure the Uzbek attackers around the penalty box had little to do.
Led by Ashalatha Devi, the defense maintained a disciplined line and thwarted a series of set pieces during the period. Despite the pressure, Indian goalkeeper Shreya Hooda did not face any real test.
Read also | Afghanistan T20 World Cup 2024 Complete Schedule, Free PDF Download Online: Get Afghanistan Cricket Team Match Schedule, Schedule with Match Timings on IST Website and team details.
The match lasted four minutes into the second half when Sango was awarded a penalty for handball in the penalty area. During a one-on-one with Uzbek winger Khikmatova Madina, Sanju pulled back when Madina delivered a cross.
The ball hit the defender's arm as he tried to block the cross. The referee awarded a penalty and Khabiullaeva Diora made no mistake in opening the account for the home team.
Diora quickly doubled her tally with a second goal in the 75th minute. The striker received a long pass from the left and his perfect first touch helped him finish the ball smartly into the bottom corner with his left foot. Hooda was rooted to the spot.
Douira completed his hat-trick in the 89th minute with a beautiful goal. After recovering the ball 30 meters from goal, he fired a missile with his right foot which aimed at the top corner.
A few minutes later, Pyari Zaksa created a chance for India. He collected the ball and quickly got past the Uzbek defense before shooting from outside the penalty box.
The second friendly match between India and Uzbekistan will take place on June 4.
The Indian team coached by Chaoba Devi is currently in Uzbekistan to play two friendly matches.
(This is an unedited, auto-generated story from a syndicated news feed; current staff may not have edited or edited the text)
