Bangladesh’s women’s football team delivered a spirited performance in their debut match at the AFC Women’s Asian Cup, narrowly losing 2–0 to reigning champions China. Despite the defeat, Bangladesh head coach Peter Butler praised the team’s resilience and determination, highlighting the positive message sent by his young squad of 19–20-year-olds.
“The players showed courage and composure beyond their years. They demonstrated their abilities and represented their country with pride,” Butler said after the match.
China’s coach, Ante Milicic, expressed satisfaction with his team’s victory but admitted some disappointment with the goal margin. Nevertheless, he took time to commend Bangladesh’s performance, particularly goalkeeper Mili Akter, whom he had not expected to feature in the starting eleven. “I was surprised to see Mili in goal, but she played extremely well,” Milicic said.
At the post-match press conference, Milicic noted: “There was no pressure on Bangladesh; they played freely. We scored two goals and conceded none, which is satisfactory for a first match.” He had previously remarked that several Bangladeshi players showed remarkable skill, specifically mentioning Rituporna Chakma (No. 17), Monika Chakma (No. 6), and Maria Manda (No. 8) as standout performers.
Coach Butler also congratulated China on their performance, stating, “China is one of Asia’s strongest teams, perhaps the very best. They won, and I sincerely congratulate them.”
Butler’s instructions to his squad were clear: play with confidence and express their natural style. “I told the girls to give their best and show what they are capable of,” he said. He emphasised that his team was not merely focused on defensive football: “We are not here just to defend; we want to play high-quality football.”
Bangladesh’s goalkeeper rotation proved effective. Mili Akter replaced Rupna Chakma in the latter stages and made several crucial saves. Butler commented, “Mili was outstanding. I was not afraid to make a change, and I am pleased that our team remained competitive.”
Reflecting on the team’s development, Butler said: “We have improved considerably over the past two to two-and-a-half years. Despite limited resources compared to other nations, our players delivered their best with what we have.”
Key Bangladesh Player Performances
| Player | Position | Notable Contribution |
|---|---|---|
| Rituporna Chakma (17) | Midfielder | Ball control, passing, and chance creation |
| Monika Chakma (6) | Defender | Strong tackles, interceptions, defensive leadership |
| Maria Manda (8) | Forward | Pressing, attacking support, creativity |
| Mili Akter | Goalkeeper | Several crucial saves, excellent positioning |
Even without a win, Butler considers the match a significant achievement. “Coaching these young players is a privilege. This tournament offers them a platform to showcase their talent and prepare for a brighter future. We have faced challenges to reach this stage, but we will rise again and keep progressing,” he concluded.
