Photo: BSS

DHAKA, March 9, 2026 (BSS) - Bangladesh finished their maiden AFC Women’s Asian Cup mission with a losing note as they suffered a 4-0 goal defeat to Uzbekistan in their ultimate group match held at the Perth Rectangular Stadium today (Monday).

After a fighting 2-0 defeat against defending champions China and 5-0 defeat to three-time champions DPR Korea, 112th-ranked Bangladesh clearly needed a win against Uzbekistan in their last group match to keep their quarterfinal hope alive, but Afeida and co. could not do their job properly, rather they lost the match in a big margin.

Bangladesh was trailed 1-0 in the first half and conceded three more goals in the second half due to mistakes of the defenders. Bangladesh conceded two goals in the span of four minutes in the 62nd and 66th innings.

Coach Peter Butler could not change the fate of the game even after bringing Shamsunnahar, Prity and Halima on in the second half. Swedish based midfielder Anika Rania Siddique, who was brought in the playing eleven for the first time, also failed to show any performance.

A win would significantly brighten the girls in red and green’s chance of progressing to the quarterfinals. Instead, Bangladesh will return home with the consolation of valuable experience from the tournament.

Bangladesh’s hope suffered an early setback when Uzbekistan took the lead early in the 10th minute. Following a counter attack Diyorakhon Khabibullaeva gave her side a deserving lead with a superb powerful shot.

After the restart, substitute Dildora Nozmova struck twice in the 62nd and 66th minutes to extend the Uzbek’s lead before Nilufar Kudratova sealed the victory scoring the fourth goal in the 88th minute.
 
Earlier, Bangladesh coach Peter Butler has made three changes in the starting eleven.
 
Sweden-based Anika Rania Siddique, who has already appeared twice as a substitute in the Bangladesh’s previous two matches of the tournament, has got chance to play in the main squad replacing Airin Khatun.

Coach Peter Butler has also brought back experienced defender Sheuli Azim in place of Nabiran Khatun while Umehla Marma has been brought back to the playing even in replace of forward Shamsunnahar Junior.

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