After storming past Bahrain with a commanding win, the Bangladesh women’s football team now face their biggest test yet—group leaders Myanmar. Ahead of the crucial AFC Women’s Asian Cup Qualifier clash, the team returned to training on Tuesday, with head coach Peter James Butler outlining the tactical blueprint for the battle ahead.
In Wednesday’s Group C fixture, Bangladesh will take on hosts Myanmar at the Thuwunna Stadium in Yangon, with kick-off scheduled for 3:30pm (Bangladesh time). Both teams currently sit level on three points, but Myanmar top the table on goal difference after thrashing Turkmenistan 8-0 in their opening match.
Playing on home soil, Myanmar will be buoyed by familiar surroundings and their dominant past record—including a 5-0 victory over Bangladesh during the 2020 Olympic qualifiers. Yet Bangladesh carry strong momentum following their emphatic 7-0 win over Bahrain, and the players are brimming with belief.
Midfielder Swapna Rani reflected that confidence, saying, “Since tomorrow is a big match, we’re all focused and giving it our full attention. We’ve got a tactical session in the afternoon, and we’ll try to play exactly as the coach instructs. We hope to have a good match. We ask for prayers and support from everyone back home.”
Forward Suravi Akhand Preeti echoed Swapna’s sentiments. Though she didn’t feature in the Bahrain fixture, Preeti is hopeful of making her mark against Myanmar. “We’ve been training really well. We’re trying to follow the coach’s instructions closely. If I get the chance to play, I’ll give it my all.”
Another forward, Shaheda Akter Ripa, spoke with determination about overcoming the high-ranked Myanmar side and booking a ticket to the next stage. “By Allah’s grace, everyone is fit and healthy. We had a strong training session today. It’ll be a tough match, but we’re ready. If we can win tomorrow, Inshallah, we’ll qualify. We need everyone’s prayers.”
Despite being ranked 128th in the FIFA rankings compared to Myanmar’s 55th, Bangladesh’s belief remains intact. The team’s defensive line, led by goalkeeper Rupna Chakma, will face a stern test. Myanmar’s forward line looked potent against Turkmenistan, with Win scoring a hat-trick and Khin Mo Mo Tun bagging a brace.
Yet goalkeeper coach Masud Ahmed Uzzal remains optimistic. “We completed our training for the Myanmar match this morning. Everyone is fit, and we’ve had no major injury concerns. The team followed the coach’s plan well in training. Hopefully, the girls won’t disappoint us.”
With everything to play for and only one qualification spot available, the stage is set for a high-stakes showdown in Yangon.