Responding to Nepal coach calling the win “unlucky,” Bangladesh coach Butler shot back, “The harder you work, the luckier you get. Take that with you, and have it printed on your tombstone.”

Switched to the number nine position instead of the wing against Maldives on Thursday, she found the net in just 11 seconds.

The English coach was also critical of the approach Maldives showed throughout the match.

Mehedi said delays in obtaining an Indian visa prevented him from joining the squad earlier.

The women in red and green have been in training since the conclusion of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup and the AFC Women’s U-20 Asian Cup.

Arpita framed the defeat as part of a learning curve for a side playing their first-ever match in the competition.

Ahead of the match, the team completed their third training session on Tuesday morning at Boonyachinda Stadium.

Bangladesh captain Afeida Khandaker spoke to The Daily Star’s Anisur Rahman about the AFC Women's Asian Cup experience and what lies ahead.

“At times, it feels like a boxer entering a fight with one arm tied behind his back," Bangladesh coach Butler said after Uzbekistan clash.

Butler has also brought back experienced defender Sheuli Azim in place of Nabiran Khatun, while Tohura Khatun returns to the lineup, replacing fellow forward Shamsunnahar Junior.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

The sports state minister also stressed the importance of domestic women’s football competitions, rather than focusing solely on international matches.

The fixture assumes added significance given the scale of what lies ahead.

Two first-half goals at Pokhara Stadium ensured two wins from two for the defending champions.