Bangladesh nears historic Asian Cup berth with 2-1 victory over Myanmar

Ritu Porna Chakma delivered a stunning performance, scoring twice to lead Bangladesh to a 2-1 win over favored Myanmar in their Group C Asian Cup qualifier at Thuwunna Stadium, Yangon, on Wednesday.

The left-footed star from Rangamati broke the deadlock in the 19th minute, capitalizing on a rebound from her own free kick and curling a precise shot past Myanmar’s diving goalkeeper. Bangladesh controlled the early stages, setting the tone for the match.

Despite Myanmar, ranked 73 places above Bangladesh in FIFA standings, pushing for an equalizer, Ritu Porna sealed the victory in the 72nd minute. Her exquisite left-footed strike from the left side of the box soared over the keeper, quieting the home crowd. Myanmar managed a late consolation goal in the 89th minute through Win Win’s header from a low cross, but Bangladesh held firm to secure the win.

The victory gives Bangladesh six points from two matches, placing them atop Group C as they head into their final match against Turkmenistan, the group’s lowest-ranked side, on Saturday. Myanmar, with three points, will face Bahrain earlier that day.

With only the group winner advancing to the Women’s Asian Cup in Australia next March, a draw against Turkmenistan will be enough for Bangladesh to secure a historic first qualification. The Bangladesh women’s team has never reached the Asian Cup, having lost all five matches in their previous qualifying campaigns in 2014 and 2022 without scoring.

Topping the group would also boost Bangladesh’s prospects for the 2027 World Cup and 2028 Olympics.