‘Target’ locked: Ritu hails fans as Bangladesh near historic high

Star forward Ritu Porna Chakma produced a performance to savour as Bangladesh stunned hosts Myanmar 2-1 in Yangon on Wednesday, placing themselves on the cusp of a first-ever appearance in the AFC Women's Asian Cup.

"We came here on a mission to qualify for the Asian Cup, and we gave it our all," said the match-winner Ritu following the game.

The 21-year-old winger netted twice with her favoured left foot — the first a curling effort into the far bottom corner in the 19th minute, and the second a sublime lob in the 72nd — in a fearless display against opponents ranked 73 places above Bangladesh in the FIFA rankings.

"This is what we live for," head coach Peter Butler had said after Bangladesh's emphatic 7-0 opening win against Bahrain — a statement that now carries even greater weight following this landmark result.

The victory places Bangladesh at the top of Group C with six points from two matches. A draw in their final group game against Turkmenistan on Saturday will be enough to secure a maiden qualification for the Women's Asian Cup finals, scheduled to take place in Australia next March.

However, should Turkmenistan fail to defeat Bahrain later tonight, Bangladesh will clinch qualification regardless of Saturday's outcome — an extraordinary achievement in only their third attempt at reaching Asia's top women's football competition.

Myanmar, who had thrashed Turkmenistan 8-0 in their opening match, were left shell-shocked by Bangladesh's organisation, energy, and flair — hallmarks of Peter Butler's tenure as head coach.

His players have consistently risen to the occasion, with Ritu expressing gratitude to the supporters back home.

"Our fans have supported us wholeheartedly, and we hope they continue to fuel our journey," she said.