Bangladesh exit AFC Women’s Asian Cup

Bangladesh’s campaign in the AFC Women's Asian Cup came to an end after a heavy 4–0 defeat to the Uzbekistan women's national football team in their final group-stage match in Perth, Australia. Despite a spirited performance in the first half, fatigue in the second half proved costly for Peter Butler’s side, ending Bangladesh’s hopes of reaching the quarterfinals.

Bangladesh made three changes to their starting lineup from the previous match but came under early pressure from Uzbekistan. Goalkeeper Mili Akter produced an excellent save early on to deny a clear scoring opportunity. However, moments later she received a yellow card after fouling an Uzbek player outside the penalty box while attempting to stop another attack.

Uzbekistan took the lead in the 10th minute through forward Diyorakhon Khabibullayeva, who finished off a well-worked team move. Bangladesh continued to defend resolutely, with Maria Manda making a crucial tackle in the 23rd minute to prevent another certain goal.

Bangladesh created two promising chances to equalize before halftime. In the 31st minute, Rituparna Chakma unleashed a powerful shot from outside the box, but Uzbek goalkeeper Maftuna Jonimkulova made an impressive save. Later, in the 42nd minute, Tahura Khatun set up a good opportunity for Kohati Kisku, but the forward failed to find the net. Bangladesh went into the break trailing 1–0.

After the restart, Bangladesh attempted to push forward in search of an equalizer. However, their efforts were undone midway through the second half as defensive fatigue began to show.

In the 62nd minute, Dildora Nozimova doubled Uzbekistan’s lead after receiving a pass from Umida Zoirova. Just four minutes later, Nozimova struck again to make it 3–0, capitalizing on the tiring Bangladeshi defense.

Uzbekistan thought they had added another goal in the 70th minute when Asalkhon Aminjonova dispossessed goalkeeper Mili and scored, but the effort was ruled out after a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review.

Bangladesh had a late chance in the 82nd minute when substitute Surabhi fired a powerful long-range shot, but Jonimkulova was again equal to the task.

The final blow came in the 88th minute when Nilufar Kudratova found the net from inside the box, sealing a comprehensive 4–0 victory for Uzbekistan.