"Ritu Porna is Bangladesh's Messi. There's no doubt Hamza [Choudhury] is also a good footballer. Hamza, too, is a matter of pride for our country," Kiron told reporters on Thursday. 

Having already secured their place in the AFC Women's Asian Cup for the very first time, Bangladesh women’s football team now has a chance to qualify for the 2027 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Olympics as well.

The Asian Cup berth not only gives Bangladesh an opportunity to rub shoulders against the top 11 teams of the continent, it also opens up their path to the qualifiers for the Women’s World Cup in 2027 and the Los Angeles Olympics the following year.

In the heart of Yangon, under the weight of history and the roar of a partisan crowd, Bangladesh women’s team paid a tribute to the beautiful game by being tactically astute, fearless in execution, and united in belief.

Bangladesh women’s team head coach Peter Butler heaped praise on his lynchpin forward Ritu Porna Chakma, backing her greater things, following her standout performance in the historic 2-1 win over Myanmar, which secured Bangladesh a place in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup for the very first time.

Bangladesh women's football team made history as they qualified for the AFC Women's Asian Cup for the first time. 

Peter Butler's charges beat favourites Myanmar 2-1 in Asian Cup Qualifiers

Bangladesh have outgrown their ranking. The numbers just haven't caught up yet.

Like many of her teammates, every time Ritu laces up her boots, she brings a piece of that journey with her. And it shows.