Despite Rupa’s Heroics, Bangladesh Finish Asian Games at the Bottom of the Table

Sports Desk

Bangladesh women’s football team ended their campaign at the Asian Games on a day when goalkeeper Rupna Chakma’s reliability was another reflection of the team’s determination. The Bangladesh women’s football team drew 0-0 with Myanmar in the final group match held in Japan.

Bangladesh, who are ranked 55th in FIFA rankings, have one point from three matches after drawing with Myanmar. They finished bottom of their group (fourth place) for the second consecutive Asian Games. They were behind the third-placed team on goal difference. Bangladesh conceded 16 goals in the entire tournament, while Myanmar conceded 13.

Bangladesh, who lost by big margins to North Korea and South Korea, were desperate to prove themselves against Myanmar. Last year, Bangladesh qualified for the Women’s Asian Cup by defeating Myanmar 2-1. However, that performance was not repeated today. Like in the Asian Cup qualifiers, Rupana Chakma was Bangladesh’s leader today as well. She has repeatedly shone by saving the team from danger.

A repeat of that 2025 victory could have paved the way for a quarter-final berth, as the top two third-placed teams in each of the three groups would advance to the last eight. However, the results of the other group matches were not known at the time of writing.

British coach Peter Butler had fielded a team with a mix of experience and emerging talent. However, despite holding Myanmar back, Bangladesh were unable to put much pressure on their opponents.

Two mistakes by defender Irene Khatun left the defense open early in the match, but Rupna came out of the post and thwarted both attacks.

Myanmar kept up the pressure in the first half as Bangladesh struggled to gain possession. They came close to taking the lead in the 21st minute when Win Theingi Tun’s low shot narrowly missed the post.
Bangladesh’s best chance came in the 39th minute on a counter-attack. Maria Manda passed to Rituparna on the left. The winger broke into the attack and fired a long-range shot from outside the box, but the ball went over the crossbar.

After the break, Bangladesh looked a bit more organized in their use of the ball. They exchanged good passes, especially in the midfield. However, due to the lack of understanding between the midfield and the forwards, it was not possible to find a crack in Myanmar’s defense. On the contrary, Myanmar was waiting for an opportunity to counterattack.

Myanmar came close to scoring again in the 77th minute when substitute Myat No Khin took a shot from a cross from the right by substitute Lin Lai. This time, Rupna stepped up and blocked it with great skill.

A minute later, defender Afeida Khandaker cleared the danger with a great slide. She blocked Win Theingi Tun’s shot from inside the box and saved it for a corner.

Butler brought on Tohura Khatun in place of Anika Rania in the 70th minute. But the tall forward failed to make much of an impact. As a result, Bangladesh had to leave the field with their second draw in six matches at the Asian Games. Earlier, Bangladesh had drawn their first with Nepal at the 2023 Asian Games in China.