Ilkhom Khanjariev, head coach of Uzbekistan U20 Women’s national team

About the preparation of the team

We prepared for the AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup for a year. It was certain that this tournament will be held in our country in 2022, and a plan was developed by the Uzbekistan Football Association. In February 2023, we took part in the International Friendly Tournament, in March we took part in the Asian Cup qualifiers held in Thailand. In July, we played against the Belarus U20 national team in Minsk. In November, we played two friendly matches with the U20 national team of Korea Republic. In general, almost 90 percent players of the team that will participate in the AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup after the preparation in 2023 has been selected. In 2024, we held two training camps and put more emphasis on the functional and physical fitness of the players. Currently, all players are in optimal condition. This tournament will encourage further development of women’s football in our country.

About the players in the squad

Except for some small injured players in the team, everything is in order. Our leaders who participated in the match against Australia in the AFC Women’s Olympic Qualifying Tournament Asian Qualifiers Round 3 as part of the Uzbekistan Women’s national team will be in the squad until the start of the AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup. I think they will reach the team in optimal condition. The problem with them can only be related to flights.

About the opening match and the Chinese Taipei national team

Our first match in the tournament will be on March 3 against the Chinese Taipei U20 Women’s national team. This team has grown a lot in recent years. We played against Chinese Taipei in the qualifying round of the AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup held in Thailand. Based on this game, we are analyzing their strengths and weaknesses. A lot depends on the first game, which sets the mood of the competition.

About the main purpose of the team in the tournament

The top teams in the world such as Japan, DPR Korea, Korea Republic, PR China and Australia will also compete for the title. We have very tough games ahead of us. Our performance on the field should give us strength. The players were trained optimally. Group stage matches against Chinese Taipei, Australia and Korea Republic will be very difficult. However, to qualify for the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup is our main target.