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.

Women’s team footballers Rupna Chakma and Monika Chakma, men’s team’s goalkeeper Mitul Marma and boxer Suro Krishna Chakma, among others, voiced their concern over the increasing number of rapes and urged for peace to return to the hills.

In Peter Butler’s system, the Bangladesh goalie is also the first attacker.

Bangladesh, winners of the SAFF Women’s Championship, returned home from Nepal with their second consecutive regional title amid huge enthusiasm from fans and media personnel at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport yesterday.