Bangladesh Women Begin Asian Cup Campaign

Bangladesh’s women’s football team has embarked on a historic journey, preparing to compete on the main stage of the AFC Asian Cup for the first time. The tournament, scheduled from 1–21 March across five venues in three Australian cities, marks a significant milestone for the nation’s footballing ambitions. On Friday night, around 12:30 AM (Australian time), the team touched down in Sydney, ready to commence their campaign.

Despite the fatigue of a long-haul flight, the players had little time to rest. Just seven hours after arriving at Valentine Sports Park, head coach Peter Butler led the squad onto the training field. Key players, including Afida and Rituparna, were on the pitch by 8 AM, braving the morning sun to begin light drills and conditioning exercises. Following the morning session, the team completed an afternoon gym session to further build stamina and strength.

In a video message sent by the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF), goalkeeper coach Masud Ahmed provided an update on the players’ fitness and morale. He said, “Although the long journey left the team a little tired, there are no injury concerns. Everyone is fully fit. Our primary focus now is to adapt to the local conditions. The first training session has been highly productive.”

Sydney’s current weather is slightly cooler than Dhaka, with temperatures hovering around 23°C compared to Dhaka’s 30°C. The mornings and early afternoons are relatively warm, but coaching staff believe these conditions will not pose significant challenges for the Bangladeshi players.

Valentine Sports Park’s facilities have impressed the coaching team. Masud Ahmed noted, “The park provides everything a professional football team could need. Under Coach Butler’s guidance, the players are making every effort to adapt quickly and perform at their best.”

Ahead of their official campaign, Bangladesh will play a preparatory friendly match on 25 February against a local club at Valentine Sports Club. This fixture is seen as an opportunity to refine tactics, improve team cohesion, and gain valuable match experience.

From 27 February, the team will move into the AFC-designated official hotel, ensuring they are well-rested and prepared for the group stage matches.

The table below summarises Bangladesh’s initial schedule in Sydney:

Bangladesh’s debut at the Asian Cup represents a landmark moment in the nation’s sporting history, offering an opportunity for the players to showcase their talent on a continental stage while inspiring the next generation of footballers back home.