Sports Reporter :
In a major breakthrough, the Bangladesh Women’s Football Team defeated Myanmar 2-1 in their second Group C match of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Qualifiers, held on Wednesday in Yangon, the capital of Myanmar.
Despite a wide gap in FIFA rankings – Myanmar currently ranked 55th and Bangladesh 128th-the spirited Bangladeshi side dominated much of the game against their higher-ranked opponents. The result marks a dramatic turnaround for Bangladesh, who had suffered a crushing 5-0 defeat to Myanmar in 2018.
Bangladesh began their qualifying campaign in emphatic fashion, thrashing Bahrain 7-0 at the same venue on 29 June. With two consecutive victories under their belt, the team now stands on the verge of advancing to the final round of the qualifiers, scheduled to be held in Australia. A draw in their final Group C match against Turkmenistan on 7 July would be enough to see them through.
In Wednesday’s match, Bangladesh took the lead early in the 18th minute through a superb angular strike from Ritu Porna Chakma. The forward struck again in the 70th minute with a powerful long-range effort, doubling the lead and sealing her brace.
Myanmar pulled one back in the 89th minute through Win Win, but it was too little, too late.
Bangladesh came close to extending their lead in the first half when Shamsunnahar’s attempt in the 24th minute, from a Chakma cross, struck the sidebar. Myanmar’s best chance in the opening half came in the 42nd minute, but Kin Mo Mor’s effort rebounded off the crossbar.
Speaking after the match, Ritu Porna Chakma said: “We came here with a clear goal-to win, match by match. We gave our best, and the result reflects that. We dedicate this victory to our supporters, who stood behind us in both matches. We hope to continue receiving their support in the coming days.”
Bangladesh’s performance in Yangon signals a new chapter for the team, showcasing both talent and tenacity as they continue their quest for continental success.
