Anika earns first Bangladesh start as Butler reshuffles eleven for Uzbekistan clash

Sweden-based midfielder Anika Rania Siddique will make her maiden start for Bangladesh after head coach Peter Butler made three changes to his lineup for Monday’s crucial Group B encounter against Uzbekistan at the Perth Rectangular Stadium in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026.

Anika, who has already appeared twice as a substitute in the tournament, replaces Airin Khatun in the starting eleven as Bangladesh look to secure their first-ever win in the continental showpiece.

Butler has also brought back experienced defender Sheuli Azim in place of Nabiran Khatun, while Umehla Marma returns to the lineup, replacing fellow forward Shamsunnahar Junior.

For Bangladesh -- competing in the tournament for the first time -- the match represents a rare opportunity to challenge a side closer to them in the rankings. The 112th-ranked South Asian champions had faced far sterner tests in their opening two matches, battling hard in a 2-0 defeat against defending champions China PR before suffering a 5-0 loss to three-time winners DPR Korea.

The 49th-ranked Uzbekistan -- who lost 3-0 to both China and Korea -- still pose a significant challenge, but the Women in Red and Green will see Monday’s contest as their most realistic chance to claim a historic result in the competition.

A victory could potentially keep Bangladesh in contention for a quarterfinal place as one of the best third-placed teams -- a milestone that would also secure a spot in the qualification pathway for the 2028 Olympic Games.

Progression would also strengthen Bangladesh’s hopes of reaching the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, with the top six teams in the Asian Cup qualifying directly for the global showpiece and the seventh and eighth-placed teams entering continental playoffs.

Bangladesh starting XI:
Mile Akter (GK), Afeida Khandaker (C), Sheuli Azim, Shamsunnahar Sr., Kohati Kisku, Maria Manda, Monika Chakma, Anika Rania Siddique, Ritu Porna Chakma, Tohura Khatun, Umehla Marma.