India women's team suffers second consecutive defeat against Uzbekistan

The Hindu

03-06-2025

The senior Indian women's national team suffered a second narrow defeat at the hands of Uzbekistan, going down 0-1 in the second FIFA women's international friendly at the Padukone-Dravid Centre for Sports Excellence on Tuesday.
Despite an improved and spirited performance, the Blue Tigresses were undone by a moment of brilliance from Nilufar Kudratova early in the second half.
Unlike the first fixture, where India looked cautious and struggled in transition, the hosts played on the front foot, pressing higher up the pitch and trying to take the game to the visitor.
The defence, led by the tireless efforts of Thokchom Martina and her backline partners, worked hard to contain Uzbekistan's pacey attack.
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The best chance for India came in the 21st minute. Ranjana whipped in a dangerous cross from the right, which Pyari Xaxa met with a strong header at the far post. The Uzbekistan keeper managed a reflex save, and though the rebound fell kindly to Sangita, she failed to direct her shot on target.
That missed opportunity would come back to haunt India. Just four minutes into the second half, Uzbekistan struck. Kudratova picked up the ball on the edge of the box, skipped past two defenders with elegant footwork, and unleashed a fierce left-footed strike that flew past Payal Basude into the top corner.
The setback seemed to momentarily unsettle the Blue Tigresses, but they regrouped and pushed forward again. Soumya Guguloth and Pyari Xaxa continued to test the Uzbekistan defence, while substitutes brought fresh energy. However, despite several promising moves, the final pass or shot often lacked the sharpness needed to level the score.
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