With a ticket to the AFC Women’s Asian Cup final round already in hand, Bangladesh wrapped up their qualifying campaign in unforgettable fashion — demolishing Turkmenistan 7-0 at Yangon’s Thuwunna Stadium on Saturday.
It wasn’t just a win; it was a declaration. A signal that Bangladesh’s women are no longer outsiders in Asian football — they are contenders.
All seven goals came in a breathtaking first half, as the Red and Greens tore through Turkmenistan with flair, precision, and ruthless intent.
Sapna Rani opened the floodgates in the 4th minute with a stunning long-range strike. The scoring continued through Shamsunnahar (6’ and 13’), Monika Chakma (16’), Ritu Porna Chakma (18’ and 40’), and Tohura Khatun (21’). Ritu’s second goal — a left-footed finish from a Monika corner — was the pick of the lot.
Both Shamsunnahar and Ritu Porna looked poised for hat-tricks, but coach Peter Butler used the second half to rest key players.
Ritu was subbed at the break, Shamsunnahar in the 68th minute. Rupna Chakma, the starting keeper, made way for Swarna, while Umela, Halima, and Ripa also got minutes in a pressure-free second half.
Turkmenistan, outclassed in every department, offered some resistance after the break. But defensive frailty, especially from their goalkeeper — whose blunder gifted Ritu her first goal — made the gulf in class even starker.
This win sealed Bangladesh’s place at the top of Group B with 9 points from three matches, following earlier victories over Bahrain (3-0) and hosts Myanmar (2-1). Myanmar beat Bahrain 6-0 in the final group game to finish second.
Bangladesh will now prepare for the 12-team AFC Women’s Asian Cup in Australia next March. A top-six finish means direct World Cup qualification.
Even a top-eight finish keeps the dream alive via playoffs.
The team returns home Sunday at midnight. The BFF is planning a special reception — fitting for pioneers who continue to blaze a trail.
Courtesy: The Daily Sun
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