Bangladesh have named an unchanged starting eleven for their decisive AFC Women’s Asian Cup qualifier against hosts Myanmar on 2 July, keeping faith in the side that crushed Bahrain 7–0 in their opening match.
The high-stakes clash kicks off at 3:30pm Bangladesh time at Yangon’s Thuwunna Stadium, with a place in the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup within reach. Both Bangladesh and Myanmar began their qualifying campaigns with emphatic wins—Myanmar dismantled Turkmenistan 8–0, while Bangladesh overwhelmed Bahrain. Wednesday’s match is expected to decide which team secures a spot in the main tournament.
In a departure from the usual routine, the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) released the starting XI two hours before kick-off via Facebook. Head coach Peter Butler has stuck with the same 3-5-2 formation and line-up, rewarding the side that delivered an outstanding team performance against Bahrain. The high defensive line used in that win will be tested against a stronger Myanmar outfit, ranked 55th in the world by FIFA.
Bangladesh, ranked significantly lower, last faced Myanmar in 2018 and suffered a 5–0 defeat. But in the six years since, the side has matured considerably. Their recent results, including positive showings against Jordan, Indonesia, and Bahrain, offer cause for optimism.
Goalkeeper Rupna Chakma, widely regarded as South Asia’s best in her position, will again be key. Captain Afida Khandaker leads the defensive line alongside Shiuli Azim and Shamsunnahar Sr. The midfield is anchored by Monika Chakma, with support from Maria Manda, Swapna Rani, Rituparna Chakma, and Kohati Kisku. The front line features Shamsunnahar Jr. and Tahura Khatun, both of whom impressed in the opener.
Victory over Myanmar would bring Bangladesh to the brink of their first-ever qualification for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup finals, set to take place in Australia in 2026.
The match will be streamed live on the Pyon Play Sports YouTube channel.
Bangladesh XI:
Goalkeeper: Rupna Chakma
Defenders: Afida Khandaker (captain), Shiuli Azim, Shamsunnahar Sr.
Midfielders: Monika Chakma, Maria Manda, Swapna Rani Mondal, Rituparna Chakma, Kohati Kisku
Forwards: Tahura Khatun, Shamsunnahar Jr.