Bangladesh captain Afeida Khandaker spoke to The Daily Star’s Anisur Rahman about the AFC Women's Asian Cup experience and what lies ahead.

“At times, it feels like a boxer entering a fight with one arm tied behind his back," Bangladesh coach Butler said after Uzbekistan clash.

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

“We played an absolutely fantastic team today, probably one of the best, if not the best, in Asian football," said the Bangladesh coach.

Bangladesh struggled to replicate the proactive approach they had shown against China in their opening game.

The tragedy of Bangladesh women’s football is that it evolves despite the system, not because of it.

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

Bangladesh had nearly stunned the favourites in the 14th minute when Ritu Porna Chakma’s trademark long-range strike was pushed away by the outstretched Chen Chen.

Making their debut at the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026, the women in red and green face defending champions China at the 30,000-capacity Western Sydney Stadium in Australia.

On Tuesday in Sydney, Bangladesh open their campaign against nine-time champions China, marking their first appearance at the continental showpiece and the country’s first participation in Asia’s premier competition since 1980.

The sports state minister also stressed the importance of domestic women’s football competitions, rather than focusing solely on international matches.

The fixture assumes added significance given the scale of what lies ahead.

Two first-half goals at Pokhara Stadium ensured two wins from two for the defending champions.

Anika becomes only the second foreign-based player in the women’s squad after Matsushima Sumaya

A brace from captain Sabina Khatun powered Bangladesh to a winning start in the SAFF Women’s Futsal Championship with an emphatic 3-1 win over India in Bangkok, Thailand, today.

The quota for foreign players has been increased to four from two -- featured in the last edition held in March–April last year -- although only three can feature in a single match.

National forward Sanjida Akter leads the youthful Nasrin squad, which includes players such as Sauravi Akanda Prity, Shanti Mardi, Trishna Rani.

Coach Peter Butler has used the window to test his full squad and maximise game-time, keeping in mind the quality of opponents in Australia early next year.

Head coach Peter Butler described SAFF-level football as “terrible”, stressing that the Bangladesh women’s team must regularly compete at a much higher standard if they want to improve.

The High Court today issued a rule asking the authorities concerned to explain why the discrimination in salaries, benefits, and opportunities between male and female footballers should not be declared illegal.