Long before she played a key role in Bangladesh securing the inaugural SAFF Women’s Futsal Championship in Thailand earlier this year, the teenage goalkeeper from Mymensingh had already become a phenomenon on rural football grounds.

For many years, women’s involvement in cricket in Bangladesh was largely confined to playing on the field. Recently, however, a new pathway has emerged as women step into officiating roles, proving that their contribution to the sport can extend further.

The one-sided romp left Japan top of Group C with a maximum six points having beaten Taiwan 2-0 to start their title bid.

Bangladesh's women’s football team suffered a heavy 5-0 defeat to a dominant DPR Korea side in their second Group B match of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 in Sydney on Friday. The loss was a harsh reminder of the vast gap between Bangladesh and Asia’s top footballing nations, echoing a similar defeat nine years ago.

“We played an absolutely fantastic team today, probably one of the best, if not the best, in Asian football," said the Bangladesh coach.

Linu becomes the 15th sportsperson to receive the honour.

Bangladesh struggled to replicate the proactive approach they had shown against China in their opening game.

There is a difference between facing an established champion and confronting a wounded giant hungry to reclaim lost ground.

After going toe to toe against defending champions China in their AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 opener, Bangladesh are set to face another tournament favourites in North Korea in their second Group B match at the Western Sydney Stadium in Australia today, eyeing another bold showing.

Vietnam, quarter-finalists in the last tournament, will play Taiwan on Saturday, when face two-time champions Japan at the Perth Rectangular Stadium.

Many were surprised to see goalkeeper Mile Akter in Bangladesh’s starting XI for their AFC Women’s Asian Cup opener against nine-time champions China on Tuesday, as experienced Rupna Chakma was left on the bench.

The tragedy of Bangladesh women’s football is that it evolves despite the system, not because of it.

Beyond results, Butler hopes the tournament becomes a platform for his players.

Ranked 112th in the world against China’s 17th, the gulf on paper was stark, yet it was not entirely reflected on the pitch.

Bangladesh had nearly stunned the favourites in the 14th minute when Ritu Porna Chakma’s trademark long-range strike was pushed away by the outstretched Chen Chen.

Making their debut at the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026, the women in red and green face defending champions China at the 30,000-capacity Western Sydney Stadium in Australia.

The Koreans, runners-up to China in the 2022 edition, totally dominated a brave but outclassed Iran, who showed no signs of being affected by the war raging at home, while some supporters waved shah-era flags.

On Tuesday in Sydney, Bangladesh open their campaign against nine-time champions China, marking their first appearance at the continental showpiece and the country’s first participation in Asia’s premier competition since 1980.

Alyssa Healy delivered a farewell for the ages, producing a breathtaking 158 off 98 balls in her final ODI as Australia piled on 409 for 7 and thrashed India by 185 runs in the third ODI of the three-match series Hobart on Sunday.

Bangladesh women’s football team are placing strong emphasis on tactical discipline in a bid to minimise mistakes and avoid heavy defeats in the group stage of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup, which got underway on Sunday with hosts Australia defeating the Philippines 1-0.