Rare event in the 2026 Asian Cup qualifiers: Penalty shootout to determine tickets to the finals

Uzbekistan (right) participated in the Asian Cup for the first time in 22 years

The Asian Women's Championship qualifiers have 8 groups to play on neutral ground. Only the top team in each group will advance, plus Australia, Japan, South Korea, and China, making up 12 teams participating in the 2026 Asian Cup finals.

In Group F, before entering the final match, Uzbekistan and Nepal were equal in points, goals scored and goals conceded. However, in the final match, Uzbekistan was considered superior thanks to the strength of the squad as well as the home field advantage. And they quickly showed that with 2 goals in the first 15 minutes. By the 45th minute, they were leading 3-1.

At this point, Uzbekistan had a clear path to the finals. But Ergasheva's red card in the first half's injury time ruined everything. The loss of a player also caused the home team to lose control of the game. And they were continuously equalized in the last 20 minutes. The final score of the match was 3-all. At this point, both teams were equal in all indicators including points, goals scored and goals conceded.

Rare event in the 2026 Asian Cup qualifiers: Penalty shootout to determine tickets to the finals photo 2

Uzbekistan has gone ahead in an unbelievable scenario.

According to the rules, the organizers will have to use a penalty shootout to determine the overall winner. And here, Uzbekistan was luckier with a 4-2 victory. They officially won a ticket to the final round.

In Group B, a similar scenario almost happened. Thailand and India were equal in all indexes. But in the final match, Thailand suffered a shocking defeat at home, causing them to miss the Asian Cup finals for the first time in nearly 30 years.

If Thailand was a disappointment, Nepal was a regret. Despite playing with extraordinary form, they could not participate in the continental playground for the first time in 26 years. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan won a ticket to the Asian Cup for women for the first time since 2003.