Bangladesh held by Jordan

Bangladesh's hopes of reaching the AFC U-17 Women's Asian Cup finals for a third time suffered a blow after a late equaliser saw them draw 1-1 with hosts Jordan at Aqaba Stadium on Monday night.

Sauravi Akanda Prity gave Bangladesh a dream start, heading home from close range in the third minute following a Mamoni Chakma free-kick. Despite dominating possession and pressing high, the girls in red and green failed to add to their early lead.

Chances came and went -- Umma Kulsum saw her powerful strike saved in the 72nd minute — but Bangladesh struggled in the final third, often resorting to long-range efforts off target.

As fatigue set in late on, Jordan capitalised. Mira Jarrar netted the equaliser in the 89th minute, slipping a shot past advancing keeper Meghla Rani after a defence-splitting pass.

Bangladesh, who qualified in 2017 and 2019, will face Chinese Taipei in their final Group H match on October 17 following the Jordan–Chinese Taipei fixture on October 15.