The Bangladesh women’s national football team are set to kick off their AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026 Qualifiers campaign with a crucial Group C encounter against higher-ranked Bahrain today (Sunday) at Thuwunna Stadium in Yangon, Myanmar.
The match is scheduled to begin at 5pm Bangladesh time.
With Bahrain placed 92nd in the latest FIFA rankings, and Bangladesh ranked 128th, the fixture presents a challenging start for the women in red and green. Nonetheless, a positive result could provide a significant boost to Bangladesh’s hopes of advancing to the tournament’s final round.
Group hosts Myanmar lead the standings with a FIFA ranking of 55, while Turkmenistan, ranked 141st, round off the group.
Despite being the second-lowest ranked side in Group C, Bangladesh are optimistic about upsetting the odds. The squad wrapped up their final training session on Saturday morning at Training Field 5, focusing on tactical drills, set-pieces, and mental preparation.
According to the Bangladesh Football Federation, the players are fully focused and determined, bearing the expectations of the nation on their shoulders as they begin their continental journey.
Following today’s match, Bangladesh will go on to face hosts Myanmar on 2 July and Turkmenistan on 5 July.
Bangladesh squad: Rupna Chakma, Sheuli Azim, Shamsunnahar (Sr.), Monika Chakma, Maria Manda, Ritu Porna Chakma, Tohura Khatun, Shamsunnahar (Jr.), Mst. Sagorika, Afeida Khandakar (captain), Sheheda Akter Ripa, Mst Munki Akter, Sapna Rani, Kohati Kisku, Sauravi Akanda Prity, Most Sultana, Swarna Rani Mandal, Mst Joynob Bibi Rita, Halima Akhter, Nabiran Khatun, Mile Akter, Umehla Marma, Nilufa Yasmin Nila.