Bangladesh women’s football team put on a dazzling display, scoring six goals within the first 20 minutes against Turkmenistan in their final group game of the Asian Cup qualifiers.
Having already secured qualification for the tournament, today’s match in Dhaka was a formality — but Bangladesh showed no signs of slowing down.
Under British coach Peter Butler, Bangladesh named an unchanged lineup from their win over Myanmar. The team came out firing, with Sabina Khatun’s side immediately dominating possession.
Bangladesh took the lead in the 3rd minute through Swapna Rani. Just three minutes later, Shamsunnahar found the net to double the advantage. Shamsunnahar struck again in the 13th minute to make it 3-0, underlining Bangladesh’s early dominance.
Monika Chakma added a fourth in the 16th minute, before Rituparna Chakma scored a minute later. The flurry of goals forced Turkmenistan’s coach to change goalkeepers by the 19th minute. However, the pressure continued, with Tahura Khatun making it 6-0 in the 20th minute.
On paper, Bangladesh were heavy favorites, having recently defeated higher-ranked sides like Jordan, Bahrain, Indonesia, and Myanmar. The performance only reinforced expectations of a big win.
Bangladesh Starting XI: Rupna Chakma (GK), Afida Khandaker (C), Shiuli Azim, Shamsunnahar, Kohati Kishku, Maria Manda, Monika Chakma, Swapna Rani, Rituparna Chakma, Shamsunnahar (Junior), and Tahura Khatun.
Fans are now hoping the team continues their clinical form and sends a strong message ahead of the Asian Cup.
