Bangladesh sees host Myanmar as their biggest hurdle in qualifying, and now they face off against them.
After confidently overcoming Bahrain, Myanmar stands as the main challenge ahead for Bangladesh. The team returned to training on Tuesday, preparing for the crucial match. In the morning session, coach Peter James Butler laid out the game plan, and the players absorbed it well. Now, it’s just a matter of stepping onto the field. Midfielders Swapna Rani and Shaheda Akter Ripa spoke with confidence, saying they want to take a big leap toward their goal by defeating Myanmar.
The AFC Women’s Asian Cup qualifying Group C match between the two teams will take place on Wednesday at Thuwanna Stadium in Yangon, kicking off at 3:30 pm Bangladesh time.
Currently, both teams have 3 points each, but Myanmar leads the group on goal difference. Essentially, this match will decide who secures the ticket to the main event.
Myanmar started qualifying with a commanding 8-0 win over Turkmenistan and will play at home in front of familiar supporters. They also hold a proud memory of a 5-0 win over Bangladesh during the 2020 Olympic qualifiers. But Bangladesh’s recent 7-0 victory against Bahrain has boosted their confidence as well. Midfielder Swapna Rani reflected that confidence clearly.
“Since tomorrow is a big match, we’re all focused and paying full attention. We have a team meeting in the afternoon where the coach will give us instructions about Myanmar, and we’ll try to play according to that. Hopefully, it will be a good match. To our countrymen, I say please bless and pray for us so we can perform well and win.”
Forward Suravi Akhond Preeti, who didn’t get a chance in the Bahrain match, echoed Swapna’s confidence. Players like Tahura Khatun, Rituporna Chakma, Kohati Kisku, Shamsunnahar Junior, and Munki Akter scored in that game. Preeti is eager to get her opportunity against Myanmar.
“We are training very well. We try to do exactly what the coach says. Tomorrow, we’ll try our best to get a good result. If I get a chance, I will try to play well.”
Forward Shaheda Akter Ripa expressed her unshakable desire to qualify by beating Myanmar. Although Myanmar ranks much higher in FIFA rankings (55th vs Bangladesh’s 128th), Ripa remains optimistic.
“By Allah’s grace, we are all healthy and doing well. Today’s training went very well. It will be a tough, fighting match. We are all ready to take the field. We will try to win tomorrow’s match. That’s our goal—if we win, InshaAllah we will qualify. Please pray for us.”
Myanmar’s attacking strength could make the task harder. Ne Win scored a hat-trick and Khin Mo Mo Tun netted twice against Turkmenistan. Bangladesh’s goalkeeper Rupna, who had an easy time against Bahrain, will face a tough test. However, goalkeeper coach Masud Ahmed Ujjal is confident the team won’t disappoint.
“We completed training this morning for the Myanmar match. Everyone is healthy. No major injuries in the squad. We’ve worked on a plan for tomorrow’s match and practiced according to the coach’s strategy. The players did well in training, and we hope they won’t let us down.”
