Photo: BSS

DHAKA, March 3, 2026 (BSS) - Bangladesh suffered a 2-0 goal defeat to defending champions China in their opening match of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup at Western held at Western Sydney Stadium, in Sydney, Australia today  (Tuesday).

Wang Shuang opened the scoring in the 44th minute before Zhang Rui doubled the lead in the 45+1st half of the match.
Bangladesh starting XI: Mile Akter, Afeida Khandaker, Nabiran Khatun, Kohati Kisku, Shamsunnahar Sr, Sheuli Azim, Monika Chakma, Maria Manda, Umhela Marma, Ritu Porna Chakma and Shamsunnahar Jr.

It was an outstanding performance by Ritu Porna and co. as Bangladesh suffered a fighting 2-0 goal defeat to defending champions China in their opening match of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup held at Western Sydney Stadium, in Sydney, Australia today (Tuesday).

Thousands of passionate Bangladeshi expatriates came to the stadium to witness Bangladesh's historical debut match on the Asian stage against China, the current and most-time champions of the Asian Cup. Though Bangladesh lost the match, but Ritu Porna and Co. did not disappoint the crowds showing impressive display under the flood light entertaining the fans in the big bowl.

Ranked 112th in the world against China’s 17th, Bangladesh played positive football throughout the match absorbing pressure as nine times Asian Cup champions China created several chances. Despite having more players in defense, Bangladesh also produced several attack by trying to take control in the midfield. 

China's footballers are physically and technically much better than Bangladesh, but Bangladesh played neck to neck showing good fitness in the field. Bangladesh was not also far behind in the fight for possession of the ball in the match.

Bangladesh, however, nearly stunned China in the 14th minute. Following a counter attack, Ritu Porna Chakma darted down and unleashed a powerful left footer strike from nearly thirty yards, but Chinese custodian Chen Chen pushed away the attempt.

In the 24th minute, China's Wang Shuang sent the ball into the Bangladesh’s net, but VAR ruled the effort offside.

The Afeida and Co. fought neck to neck till 44th minute in their debutant tournament but conceded two late goals in the first half.

China finally broke the deadlock as Wang Shuang opened the scoring in the 44th minute before Zhang Rui doubled the lead in 45th+1st minute of the match.

After the resumption, Bangladesh were tactically astute in the second half, not allowing China time or space to increase the margin further. 

Goalkeeper Mile Akter, who was included in the playing eleven, was superb under the bar, foiling several China’s attacks during the proceeding.

Bangladesh eve football team will play their second match against three times champions North Korea on Friday (March 6) at the same venue before facing Uzbekistan on March 9 at Perth Rectangular Stadium, Perth.    

Earlier, Bangladesh coach Peter Butler has included Mile Akter in replace of long-serving goalkeeper Rupna Chakma in the starting eleven.

Captain Afeida Khandaker leads the backline. She was accompanied by Shamsunnahar, Kohati Kisku, Nabiran Khatun and Sheuli Azim. 

In midfield, Maria Manda, Monika Chakma and Umhela Marma retained their places while Ritu Porna Chakma and Shamsunnahar Jr led the upfront.

Bangladesh starting XI: Mile Akter, Afeida Khandaker, Nabiran Khatun, Kohati Kisku, Shamsunnahar Sr, Sheuli Azim, Monika Chakma, Maria Manda, Umhela Marma, Ritu Porna Chakma and Shamsunnahar Jr.