Bangladesh endured a tough evening but showed resilience and composure before eventually falling 5-0 to DPR Korea in their second Group B match of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026 on Friday at Western Sydney Stadium.
Facing three-time champions and one of the tournament favourites, the tournament debutants held firm for much of the first half and frustrated the highly ranked opponents with disciplined defending and organised shape. Bangladesh goalkeeper Mile Akter made several important saves while the backline absorbed constant pressure from the DPR Korea attack.
For a long stretch it appeared the Tigresses would go into the break level, even surviving two North Korean goals that were ruled out by VAR earlier in the half. However, a late lapse in concentration proved costly.
DPR Korea broke the deadlock in the fifth minute of first-half added time when Myong Yu-Jong converted from the penalty spot after captain Afida Khandaker was penalised for a foul inside the box. Just two minutes later, Kim Kyong-Yong doubled the lead with a precise finish from the right side of the area to send DPR Korea into halftime with a 2-0 advantage.
Bangladesh attempted to regroup after the break but DPR Korea’s relentless pressure continued. Chae Un-Yong extended the lead in the 62nd minute with a close-range finish before Kim Kyong-Yong struck again just two minutes later to make it 4-0. Despite the scoreline, Bangladesh continued to battle and showed flashes of attacking intent, while Mile Akter remained busy with a number of saves.
Kim Hye-Yong added a fifth goal in the 90th minute with a header from a cross by Song Chun-Sim to seal the victory.
While the result was heavy, Bangladesh can take encouragement from their composed first-half performance against one of Asia’s strongest sides. The experience is expected to be invaluable for the young squad, many of whom are also preparing for the upcoming AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup.
The Tigresses will now turn their focus to their final group match against Uzbekistan. With the top two teams and the two best third-placed sides advancing to the knockout stage — which also keeps teams in the race for Olympic qualification and the FIFA Women’s World Cup spots — Bangladesh still have plenty to play for in their final group encounter.
