Bangladesh got their AFC U-20 Women’s Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers (Group H) campaign off to a strong start with a well earned 3–1 victory over hosts Laos.
After leading 1–0 at halftime thanks to a smartly executed set piece goal from Sagorika, Bangladesh continued their dominance in the second half. The team looked sharper in possession, creating numerous scoring opportunities, and their attacking intent finally paid off when Munki Akhter doubled the lead with a confident finish.
Bangladesh came close to making it three shortly after, but a powerful strike rattled the crossbar. Despite being on the back foot for most of the match, Laos defended resolutely and their goalkeeper made a series of important saves to keep the scoreline from becoming more one sided.
However, in the 87th minute, Laos managed to pull one back through Anna Keo Onsi. It was a soft goal that should have been comfortably dealt with by the Bangladesh goalkeeper, and it briefly gave the hosts a glimmer of hope.
But any thoughts of a late comeback were quickly put to rest. In stoppage time, Sagorika stepped up once again to score her second goal of the match, calmly finishing to restore Bangladesh’s two goal cushion and secure a 3–1 win.
Bangladesh’s performance was impressive throughout. They controlled the rhythm of the game, showed confidence on the ball, and looked the more dangerous side in attack. If not for some wasteful finishing and strong goalkeeping from Laos, the margin could have been wider.