Uzbekistan eye response against ‘determined, dynamic and very quick’ Bangladesh

For Uzbekistan, Monday’s 3pm (Bangladesh time) clash with Bangladesh is about proving they can respond under pressure.

Both sides head into their final Group B tie at the Perth Rectangular Stadium still searching for their first points at the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026, and Uzbekistan head coach Kotryna Kulbyte made it clear her team understands the stakes.

“This game will be decisive both for us and our opponents,” Kulbyte said in the pre-match press conference.

“We know it won’t be easy. Bangladesh are determined, dynamic and very quick.”

Uzbekistan suffered consecutive 3-0 defeats to defending champions China PR and DPR Korea, results that have left them needing a win to keep any realistic hopes of advancing as one of the best third-placed teams alive.

Kulbyte believes composure and attacking intent will be key.

“We are taking this match very seriously and preparing in the best way we can,” she said.

“If we put in a good performance on the pitch, the results will follow.”

The Lithuanian tactician also stressed that squad depth could play a major role in a high-stakes group finale.

“We have 26 players who are all prepared to step onto the pitch,” she said. “Even before this tournament, we had a clear plan -- every player must understand which game they are expected to play.”

Bangladesh coach Butler expects a tactical battle as both teams search for the breakthrough that could revive their campaign following a 2-0 loss to China in their opener and a 5-0 defeat to North Korea.

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A tie with a lot on the line

“This match could be a bit of a cat-and-mouse affair,” he said. “Both teams might start a little guarded… but we’re not a team that likes to sit back. We prefer to play on the front foot.”

With pride, progression hopes and momentum all on the line, neither side is expected to leave anything on the table in Perth.

Trivia

● Uzbekistan lost their most recent match against an opponent they were facing for the first time in the tournament (4-2 vs Vietnam in the 2003 Group Stage), snapping a three-match winning run in such fixtures.

● Uzbekistan have lost their last five AFC Women’s Asian Cup matches – their longest losing run in the competition. In addition, they have also not scored a goal across their last three games in that span – their longest run without finding the back of the net in the tournament.

● Afeida Khandaker (Bangladesh – 6) and Maftuna Shoyimova (Uzbekistan – 5) have blocked more shots than any other players in Group B at the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026.

● Monika Chakma (Bangladesh) has contested 38 duels at the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026, seven more than any other player in Group B. In addition, she has also attempted 10 dribbles, the second most of any player in Group B (Zhang Rui – 11 for China PR).