Yangon: The high-flying Bangladesh women’s football team will take on Turkmenistan in their final Group C match of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 qualifiers at the Thuwunna Stadium today. The match is scheduled to kick off at 6.30 pm Bangladesh time.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Bangladesh team has already made history by qualifying for the final stage of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup for the first time in the country’s football history. This remarkable achievement followed their 2-1 victory over hosts Myanmar last Wednesday.
A 2-2 draw between Bahrain and Turkmenistan secured Bangladesh’s place as group champions with one match remaining, ensuring their spot in the final round of the continental competition. Forward Ritu Porna Chakma, who was instrumental in the win against Myanmar by scoring both goals, is expected to play a significant role again in today’s match. Head coach Peter Butler will be counting on another impressive performance from her against Turkmenistan, the lowest-ranked side in the group with a FIFA Rank of 141.
Bangladesh has accumulated six points from their two matches so far. Myanmar has three points, while Bahrain and Turkmenistan have one point each. Even if Bangladesh loses their final group match and Myanmar defeats Bahrain to also reach six points, Bangladesh will still top the group due to their head-to-head victory over Myanmar.
Team officials have confirmed that the squad is in good condition ahead of the final group fixture, with only a few minor injuries reported. The coaching staff is focused on providing adequate recovery support for the players to ensure they are ready for the match.
The Bangladesh Women’s Team for the match includes Rupna Chakma, Sheuli Azim, Shamsunnahar (Sr.), Monika Chakma, Maria Manda, Ritu Porna Chakma, Tohura Khatun, Shamsunnahar (Jr.), Mst. Sagorika, Afeida Khandakar (captain), Sheheda Akter Ripa, Mst. Munki Akter, Sapna Rani, Kohati Kisku, Sauravi Akanda Prity, Most. Sultana, Swarna Rani Mandal, Mst. Joynob Bibi Rita, Halima Akhter, Nabiran Khatun, Mile Akter, Umehla Marma, and Nilufa Yasmin Nila.