Bangladesh women focused on Bahrain match in Asian Cup Qualifiers

With eyes set on a strong start, the Bangladesh women’s football team is gearing up for their opening match against Bahrain in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Qualifiers, scheduled to take place in Myanmar from June 29 to July 5.

Grouped in Group ‘C’ alongside hosts Myanmar, Bahrain, and Turkmenistan, Bangladesh will kick off their qualifying campaign on June 29 against Bahrain—an opponent seen as key to their hopes of advancing. English coach Peter James Butler is currently overseeing an intense training camp with 28 players, out of which a final squad of 23 will be selected for the tournament.

The squad is expected to retain much of its core from the tri-nation series in Jordan, where Bangladesh held higher-ranked teams Indonesia and Jordan to draw. The coaching staff sees the blend of youth and experience in the current team as a strength and believes those performances have built valuable momentum.

“The match against Bahrain is crucial. A win there could give us the confidence to reach the final round,” said a member of the coaching staff.

In the latest FIFA rankings, Bangladesh is placed 128th—making them the second-lowest ranked team in the group. Myanmar leads the group with a 55th position, followed by Bahrain at 92nd, while Turkmenistan trails at 141st. Despite the rankings, Bangladesh is aiming to overcome the odds and secure a spot in the tournament's final round.

The team is set to fly to Myanmar on Wednesday (June 25). Recently, five players who were part of Bhutan’s women's league have joined the training camp. Among them is Shamsunnahar, who rejoined the squad after resolving travel issues that had earlier stranded her.

However, notable absentees include seasoned players such as former captain Sabina Khatun and defender Masura Parveen. A team official confirmed that while there won’t be major changes, the focus remains on fielding a competitive and experienced side. “This is a crucial assignment. The final squad will reflect our best possible team,” he added.