Staff Correspondent
The Bangladesh U-20 women’s football team delivered a spectacular performance in their second AFC Asian Cup qualifier match, thrashing Timor-Leste 8-0 at the Laos National Stadium on Friday. Rising star Trishna Rani stole the show with a brilliant hat-trick, while Shikha Sinha, Shanti Mardi, Nabiron Khatun, Sagarika, and Munki Akter each found the net to complete the dominant victory. The match saw Bangladesh display clinical finishing and attacking flair throughout the 90 minutes.
Goal Fest from Start to Finish
Bangladesh took control early with Shikha heading home from a Swopna Rani corner in the 20th minute. Shanti then scored directly from a corner (32′) before Nabiron added another header (36′). Trishna opened her account just before halftime (4-0). After the break, Bangladesh intensified their attack with Trishna completing her hat-trick (57′, 83′), while Sagarika (73′) and Munki (late goal) capped off the scoring spree. The comprehensive win showcased the team’s growing confidence and coordination.
Road to Finals Heats Up
With this victory, Bangladesh now tops Group H with maximum 6 points from two matches, having previously defeated hosts Laos 3-1. Their final group match against South Korea on August 10 will determine the group winners, who qualify directly for the 2026 AFC Asian Cup finals in Thailand. The three best runners-up from eight groups will also advance, giving Bangladesh multiple pathways to make history in women’s football. This record-breaking performance has raised hopes for the team’s first-ever qualification to the continental finals.