Karachik: Uzbekistan are here to create history

Published on: 04 April 2017

Pyongyang: Blessed with lightning speed and sublime technique, Lyudmila Karachik was undoubtedly one of the best performers at the Kim Il Sung Stadium in Pyongyang on Monday.

Her mazy runs and deft touches left the Hong Kong defence somewhat bewildered on several occasions as she led Uzbekistan to claim a precious 2-1 opening victory in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2018 Jordan Group B qualifiers.

Off the pitch, Karachik (pictured right) is as ambitious as she is on it. “We are here to create history, to write a new golden chapter for the women’s game in Uzbekistan’s football. Yes, we know we may not be the favourites, and we have never qualified for the Women’s Asian Cup before, but that doesn’t bother me,” said the 23-year-old whose lightning speed and calm finish gave Uzbekistan the lead after just 16 minutes against the East Asians.

“Our dream is to compete in Jordan. This team is one of the best teams we have produced in a long time and we believe we have the talent to get there.”

Karachik’s love affair with the game started at the tender age of seven. Her meteoric rise began in the streets of Uzbekistan’s capital Tashkent, where she first caught the attention of her local futsal team aged just 12.

“From the moment the ball touched my feet, I fell in love”, quipped Karachik. “All I wanted to do every day was play football; I played with the bigger boys and looking back now, it made me a better player today,” adds the self-confessed Cristiano Ronaldo fan.

Recognition at international level followed soon after, when she was drafted into the Uzbekistan Women’s Under-23 Olympic team shortly after her 16th birthday.

Looking ahead, the poacher, who can play anywhere across the final third, has set an ambitious personal goal, but admits that teamwork will play crucial role for the remaining Group B matches. “I hope to score at least seven goals in this competition,” quipped Karachik who will be looking to increase her tally in Uzbekistan’s next match against India on Friday, 7th April.

“But more importantly, we need to rely on teamwork to go far. We are a united group of women and I believe we have the quality to do well here.”

Photo: DPR Korea Football Association

Source: the-afc.com

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