Bangladesh maintained their impressive form in the AFC U-20 Women’s Asian Cup qualifiers with a commanding 8–0 win over Timor-Leste on Friday, but head coach Peter James Butler is already focused on their toughest challenge yet facing South Korea on Sunday.
Trishna Rani Sarkar starred with a superb hat-trick as Bangladesh scored four goals in each half to dismantle Timor-Leste. The victory followed a solid 3–1 win over hosts Laos in their opening match, leaving Bangladesh in strong contention to top Group H.
However, standing in their way are South Korea, who opened their own campaign with a ruthless 9–0 demolition of Timor-Leste and are considered the group favourites.
Reflecting on the big win, Butler was pleased but quick to turn his attention forward:
“I think we blew Timor-Leste away. Although the first 10 minutes were a bit disorganised, we grew into the game, took control, and dominated,” he said.
“Our passing improved, and we converted from set-pieces effectively. Shanti’s goal was fortunate curling straight in from a corner but in football, you have to create your own luck.”
The coach reserved special praise for standout performances:
“Shikha was brilliant today. There’s fierce competition for places in this squad, which is what we want. During the SAFF tournaments, we did a lot of experimenting, but this AFC competition is on a different level entirely.”
Butler has consistently framed the youth-level tournaments as crucial learning opportunities, especially with Bangladesh already securing qualification for the senior Asian Cup. That message remained clear ahead of the showdown with Korea.
“Our next opponents are South Korea. I just hope the girls can take something from this tournament. Regardless of the result, that match will be important for us,” said the British coach.
“We’ve got everything we need to play the match and will give it our best. But I also believe there are still things we need to learn and hopefully we’ll do just that.”