Bangladesh wrapped up their AFC Women’s Asian Cup qualifying campaign with fireworks in Yangon, dismantling Turkmenistan 7-0 in a match that felt more like a celebration than a contest. Peter Butler’s side had already booked their historic ticket to the final round, but they made sure the journey ended with a bang.
By the time the scoreboard ticked to 20 minutes, Bangladesh had already found the net six times. It was ruthless. It was rapid. It was red and green dominance at its purest.
Tohura Khatun opened the gates. Monika Chakma followed. Then came Sapna Rani Mondal. And before Turkmenistan could even settle, Shamsunnahar Jr struck twice to make it five. Ritu Porna Chakma, the beating heart of this team, added the sixth with her usual blend of grace and grit.
The scoreboard had barely caught up with the goals. When the pace finally slowed, Bangladesh didn’t. They simply shifted gears. And just before the break, Ritu Porna popped up again to score her second — and Bangladesh’s seventh — of the game.
The midfielder has been the undisputed standout of this group. From crucial goals to commanding the rhythm, she has led by example. When she has the ball, time seems to slow and Bangladesh’s confidence grows. It’s not just her vision — it’s the belief she brings to those around her.
With her brace today, Ritu Porna confirmed what most already believed — that she was the best player in Group C.
While the fixture had no bearing on the standings — Bangladesh had already qualified with wins against Bahrain and hosts Myanmar — the intent never dipped. Peter Butler’s team approached the match with the same hunger that drove them through the earlier rounds. It wasn’t about points anymore. It was about pride, polish, and proving a point.
Even when the job was done, they wanted more. That mindset defines this team now.
For years, the women’s side remained in the shadows, often ignored and underestimated. But these qualifiers have rewritten the script. With 13 goals in three matches and just one conceded, Bangladesh haven’t just qualified — they’ve announced their arrival with authority.
Their journey to the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup in Australia may be just beginning, but the identity is already clear: fearless, fluid, and full of fire.