After putting Bangladesh ahead in the first half with a rebound strike, Rituparna Chakma doubled the lead in the second half with a brilliant shot.
“After her initial free-kick was blocked by the wall, Rituparna pounced on the rebound and found the net.” Despite intense pressure from Myanmar, Bangladesh held onto the lead going into halftime. And once again, it was Rituparna’s brilliance in the second half that made the difference. In an unexpected upset, Bangladesh earned a significant win over Myanmar, taking a big step toward qualifying for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup main round.
At the Thuwunna Stadium in Yangon on Wednesday, Bangladesh defeated the hosts 2-1 in a qualifying match. Rituparna opened the scoring in the 18th minute and struck again in the 72nd to give Bangladesh a two-goal cushion. Myanmar’s Winn Winn pulled one back late in the match.
After a dominant 7-0 win over Bahrain in their first game, Bangladesh now sits atop Group C with 6 points from two wins. Myanmar, who had crushed Turkmenistan 8-0 in their opener, remains on 3 points.
Bangladesh will play their final group match on Saturday against Turkmenistan. Barring any major surprises, Afida, Swapna, and teammates are now favorites to secure a historic place in next year’s Asian Cup in Australia.
Despite Myanmar being 73 places ahead of Bangladesh in the FIFA rankings, and having beaten them 5-0 in their last meeting, the Bangladeshi women were full of belief after their commanding win over Bahrain—even while playing away in front of a home crowd.
From the start, it was a competitive encounter. In just the second minute, Monika Chakma’s cross from near the byline was safely collected by the Myanmar keeper. A minute later, Shamsunnahar Sr. blocked a Myanmar attempt inside the box.
In the 12th minute, Rupna Chakma stepped up. Spotting danger from a sudden through ball, she rushed out to clear it before the Myanmar attackers could latch on.
Then, in the 18th minute, Shamsunnahar Jr. was fouled just outside the box after dancing past two defenders. “Rituparna’s free-kick hit the wall, but she followed up with a low drive that snuck into the net at the far post.” The Bangladesh bench erupted in celebration.
Bangladesh nearly doubled their lead in the 24th minute, but Shamsunnahar Jr.’s tap-in from Rituparna’s cross struck the post. She covered her face in disappointment.
In the 31st minute, Myanmar’s Phyu Phyu Win tested Rupna with a long-range free-kick, but it was comfortably saved. Six minutes later, a communication lapse nearly cost Bangladesh. Rupna rushed out but failed to clear properly, and Myanmar captain Khin Moe Moe Tun gained control. Fortunately, her shot went wide.
Just before halftime, a Myanmar shot rattled the crossbar. Shan Thar Thar, after receiving the ball in a great position, fired well wide. Moments later, Shamsunnahar Jr. took a knock and appeared to be in pain but recovered after brief treatment. Bangladesh entered the break with a one-goal advantage and momentum.
In the second half, Myanmar piled on the pressure, with Shan Thar Thar launching repeated attacks. But the backline, led by Shamsunnahar Sr. and Afida Khandaker, held firm.
In the 72nd minute, Bangladesh took control. “Receiving the ball just outside the box, Rituparna took a touch forward and unleashed a left-footed shot that floated over the keeper and into the net.” A sublime finish.
Then came another heroic moment from Rupna in the 77th. Myanmar’s Myat Eain broke into the box, but the seasoned keeper read the danger perfectly. As Myat tried to dodge, Rupna timed her move and dove to collect the ball cleanly—just as she has done so many times for the SAFF-winning side.
As time ticked on, Bangladesh edged closer to a first-ever Asian Cup main round qualification. Their defense grew even more focused. But in the 88th minute, Myanmar found a glimmer of hope: “Winn Winn met a cross at the far post and slotted past Rupna, cutting the deficit in half.”
Bangladesh absorbed the late pressure, protected their lead, and held on for a stunning 2-1 win. As the final whistle blew, the players and staff erupted in joy—celebrating a landmark victory on the road to history.
