Bangladesh’s women pulled off a big 2–1 win over Myanmar in Yangon, taking a major step toward the 2026 Asian Cup in Australia.
The rankings said one thing—Myanmar at 55, Bangladesh at 128. But the game proved that numbers don’t always tell the full story.
Controlled from the Start
Right from kickoff, Bangladesh looked determined. Coach Peter Butler’s plan was simple: press high, control the game in Myanmar’s half, and unsettle them early.
Midfielders Rituporna Chakma and Shamsunnahara Akter controlled possession. Their passing opened spaces. Their runs broke Myanmar’s lines. Myanmar barely had time to settle.
The defensive setup held strong, too. Afida Khandaker and Shiuli Rani read Myanmar’s counterattacks well and closed them down before they became threats.
In the 18th minute, Bangladesh struck.
Rituporna lined up for a free kick just outside the box. Her first shot hit the defensive wall. The ball came back to her. The next attempt, cleaner and stronger, flew into the net. Bangladesh led 1–0.
They held that lead through the first half.
Holding On, Then Doubling Down
Myanmar returned from the break looking more focused, trying to push higher. They forced a few chances, but goalkeeper Rupna Chakma responded with a calm presence.
Bangladesh didn’t just sit back. They kept creating. In the 69th minute, a cross from Rituporna almost turned into a second goal when Monika Chakma found space, but her shot missed the target.
Two minutes later, Rituporna handled it herself.
Drifting in from the left, she launched a left-footed shot that sailed over Myanmar’s keeper and into the goal. Bangladesh had a 2–0 lead.
Myanmar’s Win Win managed to pull one back in the 89th minute, but there wasn’t enough time to turn the match around.
A Historic Step Toward the Asian Cup
The win means Bangladesh now needs just a draw in their final group game against Turkmenistan to qualify for the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup in Australia.
If they make it, it will be the first time the women’s team has reached the main stage of the tournament.
It’s a milestone the country has waited over a decade for.
And for now, they’re almost there. Just one more match. One more result.
