Rupna stands tall but Bangladesh finish bottom after Myanmar draw

Goalkeeper Rupna Chakma produced another assured display to help Bangladesh's women's football team complete their Asian Games campaign with a goalless draw against Myanmar in their final group match in Japan today.

The draw against 55th-ranked Myanmar gave Bangladesh one point from three matches and saw them finish fourth in the group for the second successive Asian Games, with a worse goal difference than the third-placed side. Bangladesh conceded 16 goals, while Myanmar conceded 13.

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Smarting from heavy defeats to North Korea and South Korea, Bangladesh were keen to prove a point against Myanmar, whom they beat 2-1 to qualify for the Women's Asian Cup last year. However, they could not reproduce that performance, with Rupna once again the standout performer as she rescued her side on several occasions, much as she did against the same opponents during the Women's Asian Cup Qualifiers.

A repeat of the 2025 victory could have opened the door to the quarter-finals, as the top two third-placed teams from the three groups would secure places in the last eight. The results of the remaining groups were yet to be decided when this report was filed.

British coach Peter Butler relied on a blend of experienced players and emerging talent, but Bangladesh struggled to threaten their opponents despite keeping Myanmar at bay.

In the opening stages, defender Airin Khatun made two mistakes that exposed the backline, but Rupna came off her line to thwart both attacks.

With Bangladesh struggling to establish control of possession, Myanmar pressed in the first half and came close to breaking the deadlock in the 21st minute when Win Theingi Tun narrowly headed wide of the near post from close range.

Bangladesh's best opening came on the counter in the 39th minute. Maria Manda found Ritu Porna on the left, and the winger cut into the attacking third before sending a dipping effort from outside the box over the crossbar.

After the break, Bangladesh looked more comfortable in possession and exchanged the ball better, particularly in midfield. However, a lack of cohesion between the midfield and forwards prevented them from exposing Myanmar's defence, with the opponents instead waiting for opportunities to counter.

Myanmar came close again in the 77th minute when substitute Myat Noe Khin drove towards goal after meeting a right-sided cross from fellow substitute Lin Lae. Rupna stretched out a leg to deny her.

A minute later, defender Afeida Khandaker produced another crucial intervention, blocking Win Theingi Tun's close-range effort inside the box and conceding a corner.

Butler introduced Tohura Khatun for Anika Rania after 70 minutes, but the lanky forward had little impact as Bangladesh settled for their second draw in six Asian Games matches. Their first came against Nepal at the 2023 Asian Games in China.