Uzbekistan Women’s National Team Falls 0:3 to DPR Korea in AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026™ Opener

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — The Uzbekistan women’s national football team began their campaign at the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026™ with a 0:3 defeat against DPR Korea in their Group B match, held Tuesday at Western Sydney Stadium in Australia.

The three-time continental champions immediately asserted themselves with an aggressive attacking display, with a hat-trick from Myong Yu-jong proving decisive for the East Asian side, marking their return to the continental stage for the first time since 2010.

DPR Korea opened the scoring in the sixth minute. After a low strike from Kim Kyong-yong was blocked by Uzbekistan’s defense, Myong capitalized on the rebound, receiving a cross from Chae Un-yong on the right flank to send the ball into the upper left corner of the goal.

The match became more challenging for Uzbekistan before the end of the first half, when starting goalkeeper Maftun Jonimkulova was injured in a collision with teammate Madina Hikmatova. Zarina Saidova was forced to take her place.

Further difficulties arose in the 20th minute when DPR Korea was awarded a penalty following a foul on Chae Un-yong by Zarina Mamatkarimova. Myong confidently converted the spot-kick, extending the lead to 2:0. The East Asians continued to pressure Saidova’s goal, but she managed to prevent a wider deficit before halftime, including a crucial save against Ri Myong-gum in the 43rd minute.

In the 40th minute, after a VAR review, the referee awarded a second penalty for a handball by Madina Hikmatova. Myong Yu-jong completed her hat-trick, sealing the final score at 3:0.

In the second half, Uzbekistan strengthened their defense and blocked several opponent attacks, though Saidova faced multiple difficult saves in the opening minutes. The first notable offensive action in the opposing half came after the 60th minute, when captain Lyudmila Karachik’s precise pass tested the DPR Korea goalkeeper.

Despite Uzbekistan’s efforts, the score remained unchanged until the final whistle. The next matches are scheduled for Friday: DPR Korea will face Bangladesh in Sydney, while Uzbekistan will take on China.