Bangkok: Bangladesh made a losing start in the AFC U-20 Women’s Asian Cup when they suffered a 3-2 defeat to host Thailand in their opening Group A match held at Thammasat Stadium in Bangkok today (Wednesday).
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, despite taking the lead in the first half, Bangladesh’s efforts went in vain as Aripita and her team failed to maintain momentum and eventually lost the match. The game was marked by attacks and counter-attacks, with Bangladesh finally taking the lead when Mst Sagorika scored her first goal in the 36th minute.
After the break, Mst Sagorika doubled the lead by scoring her second goal for Bangladesh in the 50th minute. However, Thailand staged a comeback, scoring two goals in a span of seven minutes. Kurisara Limpawanich reduced the margin with a penalty goal in the 69th minute, and Rinyaphat Moondong leveled the score for the hosts in the 76th minute, also from a spot kick.
Pitchayathida Manowang sealed the victory for Thailand by scoring the third goal in the
79th minute. Despite Bangladesh’s efforts to stage a comeback, they were unable to score in the remaining proceedings.
Bangladesh, placed in Group A along with host Thailand, China, and Vietnam, will play their remaining group matches against China and Vietnam on April 4 and 7, respectively.
The Bangladesh squad includes Afeida Khandakar, Surma Jannat, Arpita Biswas, Sapna Rani, Momita Khatun, Mst Sagorika, Umehla Marma, Shanti Mardi, Sauravi Akanda Prity, Surovi Akter Arfin, and Mile Akter.