Bangladesh made an emphatic start to their AFC U-20 Women’s Asian Cup Qualifying campaign, defeating hosts Laos 3-1 in their opening match at the New Laos National Stadium on Wednesday.
Guided by head coach Peter Butler, the Bangladesh side displayed tactical discipline and attacking flair throughout the game.
Forward Mosammat Sagorika netted a brace, while midfielder Munki Akter added another to secure the victory. Laos’ lone goal came from forward Anna Kio Onsy late in the match.
Bangladesh began on the front foot, earning a corner within the opening minutes. Swapna Rani’s delivery found Trishna Rani Sarker, who connected with a header, only to be denied by Laos goalkeeper Thongsamouth Vongkhamphanh.
Laos responded strongly, creating two promising chances by the 11th minute, both of which were thwarted by Bangladeshi goalkeeper Swarna and captain Afeida. Moments later, a long pass from Munki Akter to Shanti Mardi opened up a scoring opportunity, but it failed to materialise.
Between the 16th and 24th minute, Bangladesh mounted a series of relentless attacks through Trishna, Sagorika, and Pooja Das, yet the breakthrough remained elusive until the 36th minute.
Sagorika, who had scored eight goals in the recent SAFF tournament, opened the scoring with a powerful header from a Shanti Mardi corner. Just before halftime, Pooja Das came close to doubling the lead, but her shot struck the post.
Early in the second half, Bangladesh missed two clear chances, with Munki and Shanti both failing to convert. The second goal eventually came in the 58th minute. A well-orchestrated move saw Trishna Rani feed Munki inside the box, who cleverly dribbled past the Laos captain and a defender before slotting the ball into the net with a composed finish.
Sagorika nearly scored again in the 72nd minute, but her header from a corner rattled the post. In the 81st minute, Laos goalkeeper Vongkhamphanh again denied her from close range.
Laos narrowed the margin in the 86th minute when Anna Kio Onsy weaved through three defenders to score, briefly reviving hopes for the home side.
However, in stoppage time, Bangladesh sealed the win with a clinical team move. Munki and Trishna combined inside the box, with Trishna unselfishly setting up Sagorika, who tapped in from close range to make it 3-1.
The final whistle sparked jubilation on the Bangladesh bench as the visitors walked off with a convincing win to start their qualification campaign in style.
SMS/
