China beat Bangladesh 2–0 on Tuesday at Sydney’s CommBank Stadium in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup, but the post-match story belonged to the respect Bangladesh earned from the reigning champions.
That context framed everything inside the press conference room. China coach Ante Milicic looked relieved rather than triumphant after a narrow win that demanded patience and quality.
Asked which Bangladesh players stood out, Milicic did not hesitate. “Bangladesh have some very good individual players,” he said. “Number six Monika Chakma, number eight Maria Manda and number 17 Rituporna Chakma played really well.”
The praise mattered because it cut through the usual post-match politeness. China expected control, but they did not expect freedom. “Bangladesh played without pressure and played well,” Milicic added, acknowledging a team that refused to freeze on the big stage.
One decision surprised him more than any dribble or tackle. Bangladesh head coach Peter Butler benched regular goalkeeper Rupna Chakma and handed the gloves to Mile Akter. The Chinese coach noticed.
“I was surprised by Bangladesh’s goalkeeper selection,” Milicic said. Then came the kicker. “This goalkeeper also played exceptionally well.” That line summed up China’s night: expected dominance, unexpected resistance.
The numbers still favour China heavily. They sit 17th in the FIFA rankings and average close to five goals per group match. Bangladesh rank 112th and operate with limited resources and preparation.
Yet the match never turned into a procession. Bangladesh stayed compact, defended with discipline and broke lines through Rituporna’s pace and Monika’s composure. China needed moments of brilliance to settle it.
Milicic framed the result calmly. “Bangladesh are a young team. They played freely, which we expected,” he said. “It’s the first match of the tournament. We won and kept a clean sheet, so we are satisfied.”
