Bangladesh U-20 women make historic entry into AFC Asian Cup

Bangladesh’s U-20 women’s football team has made history by qualifying for the final round of the AFC U-20 Women’s Asian Cup for the very first time, marking a significant milestone in the country's football journey.

Despite a 6–1 loss to powerhouse South Korea in their final group-stage match on Sunday at the National Stadium in Laos, Bangladesh secured their place in the main tournament as one of the top three runners-up across eight qualification groups.

Competing in Group H, Bangladesh finished second with two wins and one loss. Their qualification depended on results in other groups, and their place in the top three runners-up was confirmed after China’s 8–0 thrashing of Lebanon in Group E later that day.

The qualification stage, which kicked off on August 6, featured 33 teams from across Asia. Each of the eight group winners earned direct qualification to the final round, alongside the three best-performing runners-up. Host nation Thailand receives automatic entry, bringing the total to 12 teams for the 2025 final round, set to be held in April.

Before their defeat against South Korea, Bangladesh had enjoyed a 12-match unbeaten streak. In Sunday’s match, they managed to hold the Koreans to a 1–1 draw at halftime, with Bangladesh scoring in the 15th minute. However, the second half saw South Korea dominate, ultimately running out 6–1 winners, including three goals in the final minutes.

Bangladesh impressed earlier in the qualifiers with a 3–1 victory over hosts Laos and a commanding 8–0 win against Timor-Leste.

The achievement has been hailed as a breakthrough moment for women’s football in Bangladesh, with fans and officials celebrating the team's resilience and growing international presence.