A young and spirited Bangladesh women’s football team is all set to kick off their historic debut campaign in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup against nine-time champions and holders China women's national football team at the Western Sydney Stadium on Tuesday.
China are well ahead of their opponents in terms of technique, tactics, facilities and rankings, but the women in red and green are here not just for results — they are here to gain invaluable experience for the future.
It will be the ‘most historic game in Bangladesh women’s football’, as coined by head coach Peter Butler during the pre-match press conference on Monday, following the team’s indomitable journey in the South Asian region over the years.
Bangladesh are back-to-back defending champions of the SAFF Women's Championship, going unbeaten in both campaigns before securing historic qualification for the Asian Cup in Myanmar last year. However, this new challenge is their biggest yet.
The holders aim to begin their title defence, while Bangladesh approach the match from the opposite end of the spectrum.
China remain the most successful team in Asian Cup history, having lifted the trophy nine times. They last tasted success in 2022, edging South Korea 3–2 in the final in Mumbai. Although their dominance has waned slightly in recent years, they still sit 17th in the FIFA rankings — far ahead of Bangladesh, who are ranked 112th and are the lowest-ranked side in the 12-team competition.
‘David vs Goliath’
Bangladesh began preparations for the tournament soon after qualification. They trained intensively outside the capital but lacked sufficient international practice matches.
The Tigresses played a couple of friendlies against Thailand, who are not in the competition, and relied heavily on match footage to analyse formidable opponents like China.
However, the squad — a blend of youth and experience — showed a ‘positive and fearless’ attitude in camp, according to goalkeeping coach Masud Ahmed Ujjal on Sunday.
He added that the team focused on minimising errors in order to concede fewer goals.
In separate media briefings ahead of the competition, Bangladesh players repeatedly stated that regardless of the result, they want to give their best and mark their historic debut with pride.
Bangladesh captain Afeida Khandaker said at the pre-match conference that the team are not under pressure and are determined to make their supporters proud.
The defender acknowledged China as a “really strong team” but insisted that Bangladesh are ready to give their best on the pitch.
While Butler understands his side will be up against the odds, the Englishman is determined not to abandon their brave attacking style.
“We have to be realistic and pragmatic about what we want to achieve. I honestly believe we come here with not huge expectations but realistic ambitions.
“They are a really good team. They are well coached. It’s David versus Goliath. We are not at their level, but football is a funny game.
“We’ll have a game plan and whatever the result, it will reflect how we want to play. We will not be parking the bus, whatever the result, because that’s not how we play.”
Respect from China
Ante Milicic, head coach of China, is well aware of the pressure on his shoulders as he looks to guide the team through a challenging group stage that also includes three-time champions North Korea.
“We are happy with our preparations since arriving in Australia,” said Milicic, the former Australia head coach. “Bangladesh are first-timers in a major tournament and are doing well with their style of play, so they do not have pressure.
“There is always pressure when you are working with the Chinese national team. At the same time, we cannot look too far ahead; we must focus on the first game and take it match by match. This is a very different tournament from four years ago, which was held during Covid times.”
Despite being overwhelming favourites to secure the opening win, Milicic is not taking Bangladesh lightly.
The 51-year-old Australian tactician is leaving no stone unturned as defending champions China PR aim to meet high expectations back home.
“We do our analysis and treat every opponent with respect. They are a young team and Mr Butler has done a good job with them. They qualified by beating Myanmar in front of a big crowd, which is a testament to their quality.
“Lots of respect for them, but our firm focus is on what we can do and hopefully deliver a positive performance.”
Meanwhile, Bangladesh’s second group match is scheduled for March 6 at the same venue against North Korea.