North Korea devastated Bangladesh

Sports Desk

Bangladesh were no match for North Korea in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup. The red-green team lost 5-0 in a Group B match at Sydney’s Western Stadium on Friday. North Korea’s Kim Kyung-young scored a brace. On the other hand, Bangladesh’s goalkeeper Mile Akhtar could have made a bigger loss if he hadn’t made some great saves. Even two more North Korean goals were disallowed by VAR.

The fierce football that Bangladesh played against China in the first match was not seen in this match. Sabina-Afidara were busy defending throughout the match. The Bangladesh girls were helpless in front of North Korea’s fast-paced football and perfect passing.

North Korea, ranked 9th in the rankings, showed dominance from the start of the match. However, at the beginning, Akhtar stood as a wall. To deal with the North Korean attack, coach Peter Butler made three changes in the 40th minute of the match. Even putting Swapna Rani, Anika Rania and Umehla Marma on the field did not help. Towards the end of the first half, Bangladesh lost their rhythm and had to digest two goals.

North Korea made it 3-0 just after the break. The Koreans were awarded a penalty after captain Afida Khandaker fouled inside the box in the 50th minute. Bangladesh then conceded two more goals, the last of which came in the 89th minute of the match.

Bangladesh was busy defending throughout the match. The defenders had to make 10 clearances in the first 30 minutes. On the other hand, Bangladesh, ranked 112th, could not test North Korea in attack.

Bangladesh’s last match in the group stage will be against Uzbekistan on March 9. The match will be held in Perth.