Bangladesh go down fighting 2-0 to China in Asian Cup

Bangladesh's women's national football team delivered a performance of immense grit and character on their Asian Cup debut, holding their own against continental giants China in a 2-0 defeat that felt more like a statement of progress than a loss, reports UNB.

Bangladesh will take on North Korea in their next match on March 06.

Under the evening sky in Sydney, a vocal crowd of 6,000 - sounding like 20,000 as expatriate Bangladeshis roared in support - witnessed the South Asian side frustrate the defending champions for long periods.

Despite the gulf in experience and physical stature, Bangladesh maintained 41 per cent possession and completed 257 passes against a Chinese side that has appeared in eight World Cups.

Coach Peter Butler opted for a bold tactical shift, handing the gloves to youngster Mili Akthar over veteran Rupna Chakma to counter China's height advantage. The gamble paid off early as Mili produced a stunning save in the 12th minute to deny star forward Wang Shuang.

The defensive unit, led by Afieda Khandakar, Shiuli Azim, and Shamsunnahar Senior, remained organized and resolute, thwarting wave after wave of Chinese attacks for the opening 40 minutes.

Bangladesh nearly turned the script upside down in the 14th minute.