Bangladesh Suffers Heavy Defeat in AFC U-17 Women’s Football Qualifiers

Oct 20, 2025
Sports

File Photo: Bangladesh Women’s Football Team (Courtesy)

Staff Reporter | PNN:

The Bangladesh women’s football team recently delivered a disappointing performance in the AFC U-17 Women’s Football qualifiers. After drawing 1-1 against hosts Jordan, the team suffered a heavy 5-0 defeat against Chinese Taipei. Conceding a total of six goals in two matches, the U-17 women’s team, coached by Saiful Bari Titu, has returned to Dhaka.

In the first match against Jordan, Bangladesh initially took the lead but conceded a goal in the 89th minute. Viewers on YouTube noted that Bangladesh was vulnerable to conceding at any moment—and eventually, it happened. The team’s weakness in finishing and defense was evident, and at crucial moments, the players showed a lack of focus and morale.

Against Chinese Taipei, Bangladesh needed a strong performance to secure a win, but the 5-0 loss raised serious questions about the team’s capabilities. The players’ apparent surrender and the ease with which goals were conceded were disheartening. Although Chinese Taipei is a strong team, the scale of the defeat was difficult for many to accept.

Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) President Tabith Awal had sent the team to the UAE for preparation, aiming to ensure that even if they failed in the qualifiers, they would have a chance to participate in the main tournament in China next year. However, the team’s performance has dashed those hopes. While any team can lose, such a heavy concession of goals is hard to accept.

Bangladesh’s performance in the AFC U-17 Women’s Football qualifiers highlights the urgent need for structural improvements and renewed focus on the team’s attitude and discipline to ensure better results in the future.