In a historic achievement, Bangladesh's women's football team has qualified for the AFC Women's Asian Cup Australia 2026, marking their first-ever appearance in the tournament. The team secured their place with an impressive run in the qualifiers, demonstrating their dominance in Group C.
Bangladesh's journey to the Asian Cup began with a commanding 7-0 victory over Bahrain. This initial success was followed by a crucial 2-1 win against hosts Myanmar. The team then finished the qualifying round in style, with another dominant 7-0 victory against Turkmenistan. These results ensured Bangladesh clinched the top spot in Group C with a perfect record of three wins in three matches.
Ritu Porna Chakma played a key role in Bangladesh's success, scoring two goals against Myanmar and two more against Turkmenistan. Her outstanding performance throughout the qualifiers saw her net a total of five goals in three matches. Other notable contributors include Shamsun Nahar Junior, who also scored two goals against Turkmenistan, and Tohura Khatun, Sopna Rani, and Monika Chakma, who each contributed a goal.
The Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) organized a late-night reception at Dhaka's Hatirjheel Amphitheatre to celebrate the team's historic achievement. The event, held in the early hours of the morning, was a testament to the significance of the team's accomplishment and the excitement surrounding their future prospects. Captain Afeida Khandakar expressed her gratitude for the support and voiced the team's ambition to achieve even greater things on the global stage. Ritu Porna Chakma echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and the team's determination to represent Bangladesh with pride. Head coach Peter Butler also acknowledged the fans' support and passion.
The AFC Women's Asian Cup Australia 2026 will feature 12 teams, including hosts Australia and powerhouses like China, Japan, and South Korea. The tournament will also serve as a qualifying stage for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup in Brazil and the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. This presents a significant opportunity for Bangladesh to showcase their talent on a global platform and compete for a spot in these prestigious international events.
The European Union (EU) has extended its congratulations to the Bangladesh Women's Football team for their outstanding achievement. The EU Embassy in Dhaka praised the team's consecutive victories and their qualification for the Asian Cup finals. This recognition from the international community highlights the significance of Bangladesh's accomplishment and the positive impact it has on promoting women's sports in the country.
Bangladesh's qualification for the AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026 is a momentous occasion for the country's footballing community. It is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and talent of the players and coaching staff. This historic achievement is expected to inspire a new generation of female footballers in Bangladesh and further promote the growth of women's football in the country.
