Bangladesh suffer 2-0 defeat to China in AFC Women’s Asian Cup

Bangladesh's women's football team began their historic campaign in the AFC Women's Asian Cup with a 2-0 defeat against nine-time champions China at Sydney CommBank Stadium in Australia today (3 March).

Playing their first-ever match in the continental tournament, the women in red and green held their own for 44 minutes before conceding twice in a three-minute span just before halftime.

China looked to attack through the wings and earned its first corner as early as the fourth minute. However, goalkeeper Mile Akter and defenders, including Nabiran Khatun, stood firm under early pressure.

In the 18th minute, experienced Chinese midfielder Wang Shuang's close-range effort was spectacularly cleared off the line by defender Sheuli Azim.

Six minutes later, Wang found the net with a header from Jin Kun's cross, but the goal was ruled out for offside following a VAR review.

Bangladesh also created opportunities on the counter. In the 14th minute, star winger Ritu Porna Chakma unleashed a powerful long-range effort from the left flank, only for Chinese goalkeeper Chen Chen to produce a stunning save to deny her.

Despite being physically outmatched, Bangladesh resisted China's attacks until the 44th minute, when Wang Shuang broke the deadlock with a looping strike from outside the box.

Two minutes later, Zhang Rui's shot took a deflection off a Bangladeshi defender and found the back of the net, giving China a 2-0 lead at the break.

Head coach Peter Butler made changes at the start of the second half, bringing on forward Tahura Khatun for Umhela Marma and replacing Sheuli Azim with Halima Akter.

Ritu Porna nearly pulled one back in the 46th minute, but her long-range effort narrowly missed the target.

In search of momentum, Butler introduced midfielder Swapna Rani in the 53rd minute, replacing defender Nabiran. While Swapna tried to add pace in midfield, fatigue began to take its toll on the Bangladeshi players against China's superior physical strength.

Goalkeeper Mile remained alert, producing another fine save in the 68th minute to deny Zhang Chengyu's long-range strike. In the 74th minute, Bangladesh appealed for a penalty after Shamsunnahar Jr was brought down inside the box by Liu Yantong during a corner.

However, after a VAR check, the referee ruled that the contact did not warrant a spot-kick.

Halima was forced off in the 86th minute after sustaining a nose injury, and Swedish-born midfielder Anika Rania Siddiqui came on to make her debut for Bangladesh.

Despite eight minutes of added time and several attempts from both sides, no further goals were scored. Bangladesh ultimately had to settle for a 2-0 defeat but showed resilience and promise in their maiden appearance at Asia's premier women's football competition.