India women keen to finish off tour in style

India’s U20 women’s football team will face Uzbekistan again on Wednesday after a 1-1 draw in the first friendly, aiming for a better start and finish ahead of next month’s AFC qualifiers

Hyderabad: After holding Uzbekistan to a 1-1 draw in the first U20 women’s friendly match on Monday, India are set to face the hosts again in the second and final game on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, at the Do’stlik Stadium.

Like the first match, this one will also be played behind closed doors, as per the mutual agreement between the two teams, who are preparing for next month’s AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup Qualifiers.

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Sulanjana Raul’s 79th-minute equaliser rescued a draw for the Young Tigresses after Uzbekistan had taken a 1-0 lead before half-time. Reflecting on the result, India head coach Joakim Alexandersson said his side deserved a victory but a slow start hurt their chances.

“It was a good game for our side. We struggled with our high press in the first 15–20 minutes. We were not aggressive enough. But with time, we improved and started creating chances through good build-ups and movement.”

The match was originally scheduled for Sunday but was postponed by over 24 hours due to operational challenges at the Do’stlik Stadium. Despite the late change, the Young Tigresses remained mentally focused and unaffected.

“The feeling was a bit negative for a short moment after we reached the venue on Sunday and learned that we wouldn’t be able to play. But we are a tight group who’ve been together for a few months, so the girls handled it very well. We are staying at a very good hotel with good food and facilities. I must commend the attitude of the girls,” said Alexandersson.

He also called for a stronger start and more aggression from the players in the upcoming game.

“We have to be more ready from the start. I want our back four to be more aggressive. I want all players more involved in attacking actions. We need to be tougher in both offensive and defensive duels. Finally, we need to finish our chances better.”

Judging by the competitiveness of the first game, Alexandersson said the two friendlies were excellent preparation for the AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup Qualifiers, where India will face Myanmar, Indonesia, and Turkmenistan in Yangon.

“I think Uzbekistan look a bit stronger than in the previous games I watched. They are a good, organised, and physically strong team with a few individually skilled players. It is a good test,” said the Swede.