Above: The Bangladesh Women’s National Team lines up for a team photo. Image: Bangladesh Football Federation.
By Genevieve Henry (21/2/26)
The Bangladesh Women’s National Team are set to appear at their first ever Asian Cup, the only debutants of the 2026 edition. Drawn into Group B alongside China, North Korea, and Uzbekistan, Bangladesh will have to work hard for the chance to impress.
The current South Asian Football Federation Championship holders, Bangladesh have some experience succeeding in smaller-scale tournaments. Winning their maiden title in 2022 and winning again in 2024, Bangladesh are on the rise in South Asia. The young team will need to dig deep to get results at the 2026 Asian Cup, however.
Squad:
Goalkeepers: Rupna Chakma (Rajshahi Stars FC), Swarna Rani Mandal (Rajshahi Stars FC), Mile Akter (Bangladesh Army).
Defenders: Sheuli Azim (Rajshahi Stars FC), Shamsun Nahar (Farashganj), Afeida Khandaker (Rajshahi Stars FC), Kohati Kisku (ARB College Sporting Club), Mosammat Halima Aker (ARB College Sporting Club), Nabiran Khatun (BKSP), Mosammat Surovi Akter Afrin (Bangladesh Army), Shaheda Akter Ripa (Rajshahi Stars).
Midfielders: Monika Chakma (Farashganj), Sapna Rani (Rajshahi Stars FC), Maria Manda (Farashganj), Umehla Marma (Ansar & VDP), Anika Rania Siddiqui (IF Brommapojkarna), Unnoti Khatun (Bangladesh Army), Airin Khatun (Bangladesh Police), Munki Akhter (Rajahashi Stars FC), Ritu Porna Chakma (Rajshahi Stars FC).
Forwards: Mosammat Sagorika (Bangladesh Police), Tohura Khatun (Farashganj), Mosammat Sultana (Bangladesh Army), Shamsun Nahar Jr. (Farashganj), Sauravi Akanda Prity (Rajahashi Stars FC), Alpi Akhter (Rajahashi Stars FC).
Head Coach:
Former Premier League player Peter Butler took the reins in Bangladesh in 2024, adding yet another to the long list of teams he’s been with. As a player, he spent large chunks of time with West Ham United, Southend United, and eight other teams in England. As a coach, he has managed teams all over England, Australia, and now, South-East Asia. He was the head coach of the Botswana men’s national team from 2014-2017, then Liberia men from 2019-2022. His role with Bangladesh is the first women’s team he has led. His leadership with Bangladesh has already paid off, winning their second SAFF title and leading them to qualify for their first Asian Cup.
Asian Cup History:
Bangladesh are set to make their first ever appearance in the Asian Cup this year in Australia. The only debutants at the tournament, they will carry much excitement and little expectation.
How They Qualified:
Bangladesh topped qualification Group C convincingly, earning three wins from three. Impressively, they also finished with a goal difference of 15 and conceded only 1. The defining game of the group was when Bangladesh emerged victorious over their top competition in Myanmar, winning 2-1. Additionally, they put 7 past both Turkmenistan and Bahrain.
Those three games in qualification were the only games Bangladesh won in 2025. They tied two and lost six, all of their results coming in similar chunks – two losses, two draws, three wins, four losses.
Strengths:
Bangladesh excelled defensively in qualification, only allowing one goal to be put past them in the three matches. While this was not seen throughout every match in 2025, Butler’s side offered a glimpse of the structure they can achieve when facing level competition. Their defensive discipline has grown in years, with an emphasis on structure out of possession. Their low block and counter attack could be an avenue to exploit their stronger Asian Cup opponents.
Development Areas:
This team has simply not been around very long. Playing their first internationally sanctioned game in 2010, the Bangladesh women’s national team does not have much framework set up to help achieve success. The roster is typically stacked with young players who have little experience at the level and the jump can be huge. Since launching the domestic league for women in 2011, this team has made huge developments, especially in recent years.
Key Players:
19-year old Afeida Khandaker already captains her national team and leads from defense. The young leader already has 4 goals as a defender in her 26 appearances. She plays for Bangladeshi club Rajshahi Stars FC with many of her international teammates.
Tohura Khatun represents the next generation of great strikers in Bangladesh. The 22-year old forward already has 15 goals in her 33 appearances since 2018. She plays for Royal Thimpu College in Bhutan.
Ritu Porna Chakma is another high-scoring history-maker for Bangladesh. Another 22-year old forward, she has 13 goals in 35 appearances. Chakma is an impressive figure to lead the line. She plays in Bhutan for Paro FC with a few of her national team teammates.
One to Watch:
18-year old forward Mosammat Sagorika has scored 4 goals in her 13 appearances for Bangladesh. She plies her club trade with Bangladesh Police. She can play as a striker or winger, her versatility proving to be a great strength in a lineup of strong forwards. She was named the best player at the SAFF U-20 tournament and scored four goals in the final.
Success Would Be:
Winning a game or scoring a few goals would put this team on the map. Already on the rise in South Asia, this team has potential and they will look to put their best foot forward in their first Asian Cup. If they can win a game, they should go home happy.
Prediction:
In their first major tournament appearance, Bangladesh are likely to have a short tournament ending in the group stage. Their rise to the competition is impressive enough at this stage and they will surely stick around for years as women’s football continues to develop in Bangladesh.
Fixtures:
3rd March — China vs Bangladesh, 7pm, Western Sydney Stadium
6th March — Bangladesh vs North Korea, 1pm, Western Sydney Stadium
9th March — Bangladesh vs Uzbekistan, 5pm, Perth Rectangular Stadium
Follow Impetus on social media:
@ImpetusFootball on Threads, Instagram and TikTok.
impetusfootball.org 