Bangladesh, Turkmenistan battle today

High flying Bangladesh women's football team take Turkmenistan in their ultimate group C match of the AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026 qualifiers scheduled to be held at the Thuwunna Stadium in Yangon, Myanmar, today, reports BSS.

The match kicks off at 6:30 PM (Bangladesh time).

The confidence of the girls in red and green must be boosted if they can finish the last group match with a winning note after they made the nation proud creating history by qualifying in the AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026 final stage for the first time. Their outstanding 2-1 victory over host Myanmar held on Wednesday and paved the way for the making of the history.

A 2-2 draw between Bahrain and Turkmenistan in the same group confirmed Bangladesh as group champions with one match to spare. This result secured Bangladesh's qualification for the 2026 AFC Women's Asian Cup final stage.

Guided by Bangladesh head coach Peter Butler, Forward Ritu Porna Chakma, the architect of Bangladesh's victory, played an important role behind the Bangladesh crucial victory scoring two goals in the match against higher ranked Myanmar (55). The same performance is expected from Ritu in the third match of the group against lowest ranked Turkmenistan (141).

In the qualifying round, Bangladesh have secured six points from two matches so far and host Myanmar have three points while Bahrain and Turkmenistan have one point apiece.

Even if Bangladesh lose their final group match against Turkmenistan, and Myanmar beat Bahrain to also finish with six points, Bangladesh will still top the group by virtue of their head-to-head win over Myanmar.

Meanwhile, the team is in fairly good shape, except for a few minor injuries, and the coaching staffs are giving recovery before the final group match.

Bangladesh women's football team: Rupna Chakma, Sheuli Azim, Shamsunnahar (Sr.) Monika Chakma, Maria Manda, Ritu Porna Chakma, Tohura Khatun, Shamsunnahar (Jr.), Mst. Sagorika, Afeida Khandakar (captain), Sheheda Akter Ripa, Mst Munki Akter, Sapna Rani, Kohati Kisku, Sauravi Akanda Prity, Most Sultana, Swarna Rani Mandal, Mst Joynob Bibi Rita , Halima Akhter Nabiran Khatun Mile Akter, Umehla Marma and Nilufa Yasmin Nila.