Bangladesh scored a last-gasp goal to secure a 2-1 win against Uzbekistan in their AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup China 2027 Qualifiers Group H match on Thursday.
Bangladesh will face off against the Philippines on Sunday to decide who will advance to the finals with Uzbekistan eliminated.
Uzbekistan, who lost 4-0 to the Philippines on Monday, knew they had to get something from this match to stay in the hunt for a place in the Finals but it was Bangladesh who drew first blood.
In the fourth minute, Fatema Akter swung a diagonal cross halfway across the pitch to Purnima Marma on the right flank, who then drew Mariya Khalkulova out of her goal before chipping the ball past the advancing keeper for the opener.
Bangladesh, however, undid their good work in the 17th minute when Airin Khatun dallied on the edge of her box, allowing Larangiz Lakaeva to dispossess her before slotting past Meghla Rani Roy.
The second half was evenly matched with both teams working hard to carve out chances.
Alpi Akter went close for the Tigresses when she dribbled into the box from the right but saw her effort saved by Khalkulova while at the other end, Meghla did well to parry Mubina Bakhtiyorova’s attempt from close range.
As Uzbekistan pushed forward late on, Bangladesh exploited the gaps in defence in the third minute of added time when Sorovi Rani sent Runa Akter through on goal to power home the winning goal.
