Bangladesh make winning start

Bangladesh started their AFC U-17 Women’s Asian Cup Qualifiers campaign on a winning note, handing hosts Uzbekistan a 2-1 defeat at the Do'stlik Stadium Training Pitch in Tashkent on Thursday.

Bangladesh took the lead in the fourth minute through a tap-in from Almina following Purnima Marma’s chip, but the hosts, who had begun their Group H campaign with a 4-0 defeat to the Philippines, equalised in the 17th minute through Farangiz Lakaeva after a defensive blunder by centre-back Airin Khatun.

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Saiful Bari Titu’s charges, however, snatched victory in stoppage time when substitute Runa Akter raced onto a through-ball and placed her finish past the Uzbekistan goalkeeper.

Bangladesh must now beat the Philippines in their final group match on Sunday to qualify for the final round, as the Philippines have a +4 goal difference compared to Bangladesh’s +1.

One team from each of the eight groups will qualify for next year’s 12-team final round, which will be held in China.