Bangladesh head coach Peter James Butler has defended his squad following a heavy 5–0 loss to the North Korea women’s national football team in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup, describing the match as a “completely uneven battle.”
The game, held at CommBank Stadium in Sydney on Friday, saw Bangladesh concede two late goals in the first half and three more after the interval, leaving them unable to mount any significant attacks.
Despite the heavy defeat, Butler insisted there was no shame in losing to one of Asia’s strongest sides and highlighted the lessons his team had gained.
“We faced an extraordinary team today, probably one of the best in Asian football,” Butler said after the match.
“We received a genuine footballing lesson. In terms of technique and tactical ability, North Korea were far ahead. We could not compete with them, and losing 5–0, 6–0 or even 7–0 is nothing to be ashamed of.”
Butler acknowledged that Bangladesh are still developing and not yet at the level required to compete with top teams such as North Korea, China, or Australia.
“I cannot criticise the girls because we are not at that level yet. We have to be honest with ourselves. I am proud of their effort. They are a wonderful group of players, but against North Korea’s ability, tactics and physical presence, it was always going to be a completely uneven battle.”
Goalkeeper Mile Akter was a standout despite conceding five goals, making several crucial saves under pressure.
Butler lauded her resilience and character: “Mile is a real fighter. You have to admire her determination and enthusiasm. She fully deserved this opportunity.”
He added: “Sometimes she faced enormous pressure, but her future is bright. She just needs to keep working hard and stay grounded.”
Bangladesh had previously shown attacking intent against China women’s national football team, with Ritu Porna Chakma coming close to scoring. However, against North Korea, players such as Tahura Khatun and Ritu Porna were unable to create meaningful opportunities.
Butler acknowledged the team’s limitations but emphasised the gap in quality between the sides.
“Many errors come from lapses in concentration, but you must remember North Korea’s players operate at an exceptionally high level. They are the kind of athletes you would pay to watch,” he said.
“They are top-quality and, in my opinion, capable of winning this tournament. They are not just good footballers, but incredible athletes. Australia and China also have outstanding athletes. We have to be realistic — we are not at that level yet.”
Bangladesh will face the Uzbekistan women’s national football team in their final group-stage match on Saturday in Perth.
Butler hopes the lessons from the losses to China and North Korea will help the team improve.
“We must be realistic about expectations. Reaching this stage itself was like our World Cup,” he said.
“The average age of our squad is around 19 and a half, compared with 23–24 for our opponents. We are facing a very different level of physical and athletic strength.”
He added: “The girls will recover with ice baths, then travel to Perth and prepare for the next match. We will fight again with a smile and give our best. If that is enough, good — if not, life goes on.”
