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

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 coach Peter Butler sprang a surprise by naming Mile Akter in goal ahead of long-serving No. 1 Rupna Chakma for their opening match of the AFC Women's Asian Cup against defending champions China in Sydney on Tuesday.

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

Bangladesh’s women continued their preparations in Sydney for the upcoming AFC Women's Asian Cup, completing their second day of training at Valentine Sports Park on Sunday as they work to adapt to the warm Australian conditions.

Bangladesh now gear up for six days of training, including a practice match against Australian side Western Sydney Wanderers on February 26 before the Asian Cup proper.

Bangladesh women’s football team coach Peter Butler has admitted his side head into their maiden AFC Asian Cup appearance undercooked and playing “catch-up”, warning that only their very best will prevent “cricket-score margins” against Asia’s elites.

“I think the biggest challenge is getting people to accept new ideas and a new competitive environment. Diet and nutrition are significant hurdles, as are training facilities," Butler said.

Peter Butler's Bangladesh team were given a reality check as they suffered a crushing 4-0 defeat to India in the final of the SAFF Under-19 Women’s Championship at the Pokhara Rangasala in Nepal on Sunday.

Bangladesh coach indicated the final will help him assess which players are ready for the upcoming AFC Women’s Asian Cup in Australia.

Head coach Peter Butler lauded the character and resilience of his players after Bangladesh overcame early pressure from India to secure a 2-0 win in their second match of the SAFF Women’s U-19 Championship at the Pokhara Stadium in Nepal on Monday.

Bangladesh coach Peter Butler delivered a scathing assessment of the pitch at the Pokhara Rangasala Stadium after his side began their SAFF U-19 Women’s Championship title defence with a crushing 12-0 win over Bhutan on Saturday.

Bangladesh women’s football team coach Peter Butler has voiced reservations about the ongoing Women’s Football League (WFL), conceding that while the competition lacks balance and intensity, it remains preferable to having no league at all..Butler returned to Bangladesh on January 4 after

The much-awaited Bangladesh Women's Football League kicks off on Monday with 11 teams, but serious doubts persist over whether the competition will provide any meaningful sporting value amid uneven team formation, logistical shortcomings and the absence of commercial backing.

Coach Peter Butler has used the window to test his full squad and maximise game-time, keeping in mind the quality of opponents in Australia early next year.

Head coach Peter Butler described SAFF-level football as “terrible”, stressing that the Bangladesh women’s team must regularly compete at a much higher standard if they want to improve.

Bangladesh’s underwhelming performance in their 1-0 defeat to Malaysia in the opening match of the Tri-Nation Series, also involving Azerbaijan, has raised a serious concern -- whether the poor display stemmed from on-field lapses or from issues unfolding off the pitch.