Sagorika stars as Bangladesh U-20 women down Laos 3-1 in Asian Cup qualifiers

Bangladesh had never faced Laos at the senior or age-level categories before. But in their first-ever meeting, the Bangladesh U-20 women's team defeated Laos 3-1 in the AFC U-20 Women's Asian Cup qualifiers today.

Playing at the New Laos National Stadium in Vientiane, Bangladesh led 1-0 at the break before scoring two more in the second half, conceding once in reply. Mosammat Sagorika scored twice, while the other goal came from Munki Akter. Bangladesh will face Timor-Leste in their second match on Friday.

Laos are ranked 107th in the FIFA women's rankings, 21 spots ahead of Bangladesh (128). But the pitch told a different story. From the opening whistle, Bangladesh dominated possession and piled pressure on the hosts. The breakthrough came in the 36th minute when Sagorika headed in from a Shanti Mardi corner.

Sinha Jahan Shikha came close to doubling the lead in the 41st minute, but her shot struck the woodwork. Earlier, Bangladesh had missed two excellent chances within the first 20 minutes.

The second goal arrived in the 58th minute when Trishna Rani carried the ball from midfield and played it into Munki Akter near the box. The midfielder made no mistake, calmly finishing to make it 2-0.

Bangladesh goalkeeper Swarna Rani denied a major threat in the 69th minute, charging forward to collect a dangerous shot. In the 72nd minute, Sagorika nearly scored again with a header from a Swapna Rani cross, but the ball ricocheted off the post.

Laos pulled one back in the 86th minute after a defensive mix-up allowed forward Anna Onsy to slot home.

In stoppage time, Sagorika netted her second and Bangladesh's third, tapping in from a Trishna pass. The 17-year-old striker had also been the standout player in the SAFF U-20 Women's Championship last month, scoring eight goals in three matches.

Just over a month ago, the senior women's team qualified for the AFC Women's Asian Cup for the first time. Now the juniors are aiming for the same in Vietnam. This opening win brings Bangladesh one step closer to that goal.

In today's other Group H match, South Korea thrashed Timor-Leste 9-0. Although both Bangladesh and Korea have three points, the latter top the group due to superior goal difference.

To qualify for next year's final round, Bangladesh must finish top of Group H. However, finishing second would still keep hopes alive—only the three best runners-up from the eight groups will also advance.

Before today, Bangladesh had won just two of their 12 previous matches in the AFC U-20 Women's Asian Cup qualifiers. This win marks their third.