Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Pyongyang: Uzbekistan clinched a dramatic last-gasp victory over Hong Kong in their AFC Women’s Asian Cup Jordan 2018 qualifier Group B opener on Monday at the Kim Il Sung Stadium in Pyongyang.
Uzbekistan were, however, forced to battle until the very end by a resilient Hong Kong side, as Babakulov Sherali’s side claimed three valuable points which could yet prove vital in a formidable group that earlier witnessed heavyweights DPR Korea thump India 8-0 to take pole position in the group standings.
The Uzbeks showed plenty of attacking intent in the first half and it took them just 16 minutes to gain a foothold, Feruza Turdiboeva’s perfectly timed pass finding Lyudmila Karachik, who broke away at pace before slotting the ball calmly beyond custodian Leung Wai Nga.
Uzbekistan were unlucky not to double their lead on 37 minutes when Kudratova’s long range drive whistled just over the bar, while Hong Kong then spurned a golden opportunity of their own to draw level moments before the break.
An exquisite pass by Kwong Wing Yan from the left flank found Cheung Wai Ki, but, with only the keeper to beat, the striker fluffed her effort from just six yards out.
The Central Asians started the second half with a greater sense of purpose, pilling on the pressure in search of a decisive second goal and were almost rewarded on the hour mark when livewire Karachik again raced past two defenders to find Lianna Narbekova whose thumping shot was kept out by Leung’s strong right hand.
With time running out, and somewhat against the run of play, Hong Kong sensationally found an equaliser after substitute Heidi Yuen had been brought down by captain Zumratjon Nazarova in the penalty area, leaving Australian referee Casey Reibelt no choice but to point to the spot.
Ng Wing Kum’s effort was duly parried away by Uzbek goalkeeper Tilovova Laylo, but only into the path of Cheung who made no mistake from the rebound to put her side on level terms.
Uzbekistan were not to be outdone however, and with virtually the last kick of the match, Dildora Nozimova grabbed the winner with a looping effort which flew over Leung four minutes to spark wild celebrations on her side’s bench.
Uzbekistan will now have to wait for Friday before facing India at 3pm local time. Hong Kong meanwhile, will face perhaps their biggest challenge yet in the form of Group B favourites and host nation DPR Korea in two days’ time at 3pm local time. Korea Republic ranked 19 in the FIFA World Rankings will take on India at 6pm.
Hong Kong coach Chan Shuk Chi:
"I am not satisfied with the result, especially to lose at the last moment. But I am happy with my players who performed admirably. I thought it was close game between two good teams. We have played them before in the Olympic qualifiers and the outcome tonight was similar in many ways. Sometimes in football, we just need a bit of luck."
Uzbekistan coach Babakulov Sherali:
"I think it is natural for us to win today’s game. We could have scored at least three more goals tonight. Looking to the future games, we need to be more decisive to score more goals. Hong Kong have some good players, especially their number 17, but we have the better players for sure."
Photo: DPR Korea Football Association