Bangladesh close to Asian Cup after beating Myanmar

Bangladesh’s women’s football team moved within touching distance of a historic qualification for AFC Women’s Asian Cup after a thrilling 2–1 victory over hosts Myanmar. 

With two wins in two matches, Bangladesh now leads Group C and is on the verge of making its first-ever appearance at Asia’s top-tier women’s football tournament.

While Bangladesh’s men’s team made their AFC Asian Cup debut back in 1980, the women’s team has never before reached the continental stage. 

Now, with two back-to-back wins in the group stage, Bangladesh tops Group C and is on course to change that narrative.

In the qualification format, only top team from each of the eight groups earns a place in the final tournament.

 Bangladesh now faces a relatively weaker opponent, Turkmenistan, in the final group match. 

Even a loss in that game might not hinder Bangladesh’s progress, thanks to their head-to-head win over Myanmar.

If today’s match between Bahrain and Turkmenistan ends in a draw, Bangladesh’s qualification will be confirmed immediately. 

Even if Bahrain wins, the scenario still favours Bangladesh. Should Bahrain beat Myanmar in their final group match, both teams would be tied on six points, but Bangladesh would top the group due to the head-to-head tiebreaker advantage.

As things stand, Bangladesh is on the brink of making history by qualifying for their first-ever AFC Women’s Asian Cup; a remarkable achievement for a team that has rapidly grown in confidence and quality.

SH