South Korea, a powerhouse not only in Asia but also in world football, faced an early shock when Bangladesh’s U-20 women’s football team scored first to take the lead. The first half ended 1-1, but the second half turned into a nightmare for Bangladesh as they conceded five more goals, eventually losing 1-6.
In the AFC U-20 Women’s Championship qualifiers, 32 teams are split into eight groups, with group winners and the top three runners-up advancing to the final round in Thailand next year. A draw against Korea would have made Bangladesh Group H champions and secured qualification. However, after this heavy defeat, BD remains on six points with a goal difference of +5, and their progression now depends on other group results.
Bangladesh 1-6 South Korea
Bangladesh put on an impressive first-half performance against the mighty Koreans. However, just three minutes into the second half, they fell behind and lost their grip on the game. From that point, Korea dominated, and Bangladesh spent most of the half defending deep in their own territory.
In the 61st minute, Korean captain Cho Heng Aguan extended the lead in a well-orchestrated attack. British coach Peter Butler’s high-line defense strategy crumbled under Korea’s pace and precision. Even after making a double substitution, Butler couldn’t stop the onslaught. A foul in the 84th minute gifted Korea a penalty, which the captain converted to make it 4-0, before BD conceded two more late goals.
The match had started with promise for Bangladesh. In the 15th minute, Sagarika and Shanti Mardi combined on a swift counter-attack, with Shanti’s low cross slipping past the Korean goalkeeper and finding Sramati Trishna Rani, who calmly slotted home. The goal sent the BD supporters in Laos into jubilation.
But Korea equalized just three minutes later with a long ball that broke Bangladesh’s high defensive line, allowing a speedy forward to beat the defense and finish past the goalkeeper.
Despite the setback, Bangladesh held firm for the rest of the first half, with captain Afida Khandaker showing composure and goalkeeper Swarna Rani making several crucial saves, including one in stoppage time to deny a one-on-one chance.
Peter Butler’s side did not play purely defensively and tried to compete with Korea from the start, but in the second half, the game unraveled as B struggled to contain the relentless Korean attacks.
Peter Butler’s side did not play purely defensively and tried to compete with Korea from the start, but in the second half, the game unraveled as BD struggled to contain the relentless Korean attacks.
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