Bangladesh inch closer to AFC Women’s Asian Cup spot with victory over Myanmar

Bangladesh moved a step closer to securing a spot in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup with a remarkable 2-1 win over hosts Myanmar in their Group C qualifier on Wednesday at Yangon’s Thuwunna Stadium.

Forward Rituporna Chakma delivered a standout performance, netting both goals — the first in the 20th minute and the second in the 71st — to clinch a memorable victory for the visitors.

The win is particularly noteworthy as Myanmar sits 73 places above Bangladesh in the FIFA rankings. With this result, Bangladesh now top the group and are well-positioned to qualify as group champions.

The upcoming AFC Women’s Asian Cup will be held in Australia next year. Qualification would be historic for Bangladesh, marking the women’s team’s debut at the tournament and making them the second national side from the country — after the men’s 1980 appearance — to reach the continental stage.