Bangladesh’s women’s football team began their Thailand tour with a 3–0 defeat to the hosts in the first of two friendly matches, part of their preparation for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup in Australia next March. The match, held at Bangkok’s Thonburi University Football Training Centre, was FIFA-recognised but played behind closed doors, denying fans a live broadcast.
Bangladesh fell behind 1–0 in the first half and conceded two more goals after the break. Head coach Peter Butler had urged his players to put up a strong fight, but the team was unable to maintain momentum in the second half. Despite the loss, there were signs of progress compared with their last meeting with Thailand in 2013, when they suffered a 9–0 defeat during the Asian Cup qualifiers.
Thailand, ranked 53rd in the FIFA women’s rankings, are experienced competitors and regular participants in the Asian Cup, while Bangladesh, ranked 104th, are appearing at the tournament for the first time after securing qualification last July. The second friendly between the two sides will take place on 27 october in Chattogram at the Birshreshtha Matiur Rahman Stadium, forming an important part of Bangladesh’s preparations for the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup.
