Bangladesh’s U-20 women’s team began their AFC Women’s U-20 Asian Cup qualifying campaign in impressive fashion, securing a surprise 3-1 victory over hosts Laos in Vientiane.
The result marks a historic win for the Bangladeshi girls, who triumphed against a side ranked 21 places above them in the FIFA rankings.
Forward Sagarika was the star of the match, scoring twice, including the decisive third goal, as Bangladesh made a strong statement in Group C, which also includes South Korea and East Timor.
Bangladesh took the lead in the 36th minute when Sagarika powered in a header from Shanti Mardi’s right-wing corner. The goal gave the team a 1-0 advantage at half-time, despite facing a physically strong and technically competent Laotian side.
The lead was doubled in the 58th minute through a moment of brilliance from Munki Akhter. Receiving a precise pass from Trishna, Munki calmly slotted the ball between the goalkeeper and the near post to make it 2-0.
However, the match briefly came alive in stoppage time. Laos pulled one back in the first minute of added time, capitalising on a defensive lapse to make the score 2-1. Just as the hosts looked for an equaliser, Bangladesh sealed the win moments before the final whistle. Number ten Sagarika scored her second goal of the match, finishing with her left foot after another well-timed assist from Trishna to restore the two-goal cushion.
Bangladesh could have won by a wider margin. In the first half, Sinha Jahan Shikhar’s powerful long-range effort struck the crossbar, and in the second half, Sagarika herself came close when her shot also rebounded off the woodwork.
The victory is a significant boost for the Peter Butler-led side, coming on the back of their strong performance in the recent SAFF U-20 Women’s Championship. The qualifiers feature eight groups, with the group winners and the three best runners-up progressing to the final tournament in Thailand next year. Hosts Thailand have already qualified automatically.
With South Korea considered the overwhelming favourites in the group, Bangladesh’s hopes of advancing depend on winning their matches against Laos and East Timor to stand a chance of finishing among the top three runners-up.
Women’s football in Bangladesh has been gaining momentum in recent months, and qualification for the continental finals would be another landmark achievement.
This win over Laos is crucial – it sets a positive tone for the rest of the campaign and keeps Bangladesh’s dreams of reaching the Asian Cup very much alive.
The team will now look to build on this momentum as they prepare for their next qualifier, aiming to continue their push for a historic place on the regional stage.