It was a ‘statement’ show in Women's Asian Cup bow, says Bangladesh coach Butler

Bangladesh coach Peter Butler said his young side “did their country proud” despite a 2-0 defeat to nine-time champions China in their opening match of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 in Sydney on Tuesday, describing the performance as a marker of how far his team have come.

For long stretches, Bangladesh held firm before conceding twice late in the first half. Butler admitted there were moments when the contest threatened to drift away from his side.

“I thought they [China] are probably one of the best teams in Asia, if not the best team in Asia… and obviously congratulations to them for beating us, unfortunately,” Butler told reporters in the post-match press conferernce.

“But, I thought it was at times it could look like they could run away with it, but we dug deep. I asked the girls before the game to give me the best side of themselves. Give us what I know you can give us and, more importantly, be your authentic selves.”

Read more

Bangladesh stand tall against holders China on Women's Asian Cup debut

Although disappointed with the late lapse before the interval, he took pride in the resilience shown, especially in a much-improved second half.

“So, I'm delighted with the girls. I thought to keep them at bay for like 40-odd minutes, and then we lost a bit of concentration, changed it around. But I just thought overall, I'm just really proud of the girls for the effort they put in and they really did their country proud, the shirt proud, and it just goes to show how far we've come.” he added.

He was adamant that Bangladesh would not abandon their identity.

“Everybody turns around and says they play a high line. I ain't going to change. And I think it's been proven. We've improved in the two and a half years I've been here. We've not only been successful, we've actually improved.”

With the squad’s average age around 19, Butler framed the display as a sign of growth.

“That was a bit of a statement performance tonight from a very, very young team. Don't forget, most of those players' average age is about 19. China, I don't know what it is, 25, 26? Vast experience… [and] really good players as well.”

Looking ahead to the next Group B test against former champions North Korea on Friday, he acknowledged the scale of the challenge.

“They're a quality team. They are outstanding. I watched them today, and I think it's going to be tough. Irrespective of the result, we won't change.”

Beyond results, Butler hopes the tournament becomes a platform for his players.

“I said use this as a great opportunity, as a platform, use it as a foundation to basically go and show people that there is loads of talent in Bangladesh… They just need that window of opportunity.”

For Butler, the result may show defeat, but the journey -- marked by “peaks and troughs” and “speed bumps in the road” -- continues forward.