Uzbekistan head coach Kotryna Kulbyte has praised Nepal as a strong and rapidly improving team following their intense AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ qualifier on Saturday.

Despite overcoming a first-half red card, Uzbekistan secured a dramatic 4-2 penalty shootout victory after Nepal’s spirited fightback pushed the match to a 3-3 draw.

The hosts seemed in control with a 2-0 lead by the 40th minute, but the game shifted dramatically after Uzbekistan’s Nozimakhon Ergasheva was sent off during stoppage time in the first half. Nepal capitalized, with star forward Sabitra Bhandari scoring a remarkable hat-trick to level the score and force penalties, where Uzbekistan’s flawless spot-kicks ultimately clinched top spot in Group F.

“We played very well until the red card,” Kulbyte reflected. “By the 40th minute, we were leading 2–0, but after going down to ten players, defending became much tougher. Nepal are definitely a strong and improving side. The key thing is that we secured our place in the Asian Cup.” Kulbyte was quoted as saying. 

Kulbyte also revealed the team had anticipated a penalty shootout scenario and prepared accordingly. “Our goal was to win in regular time, but we practiced penalties just in case. I want to congratulate the players for their focus and resilience, especially in the shootout.”

This victory marks Uzbekistan’s return to the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Finals for the first time since 2003. For Kulbyte, though, this is only the start. “We faced a tough journey and have grown as a team. Being among Asia’s top 12 is a significant milestone. Now, we’ll plan with the coaching staff and Football Association to prepare for the Asian Cup. Our ambition extends beyond this—we aim for the World Cup.”