Bangladesh captain Afeida, fellow defender Nabiran Khatun, and midfielders Maria Manda and Sapna Rani react following their match against Azerbaijan at the National Stadium in Dhaka on December 02, 2025. Photo: BFF
Bangladesh began their preparations for next year's AFC Women's Asian Cup in late September and have since played four international friendlies against higher-ranked opponents Thailand, Malaysia and Azerbaijan, but the women in red and green lost all matches.
With their maiden appearance at the top-tier Asian Cup drawing closer, these games were designed less for results and more to assess resilience, structure and tactical progress against stronger and closely ranked sides.
British coach Peter Butler has used the window to test his full squad and maximise game-time, keeping in mind the quality of China, North Korea and Uzbekistan -- their group-stage opponents in Australia.
Bangladesh's first two outings, back-to-back losses at Thailand in October and November, exposed shortcomings in execution and cohesion. However, their performances in the recent Tri-Nation Series at home showed clear contrast.
The 1-0 defeat to Malaysia -- ranked 12 places above Bangladesh -- was particularly frustrating. Bangladesh dominated possession and attacked effectively through the flanks, but they lacked composure in the final third.
Their high defensive line repeatedly left them exposed, and the decisive goal came from a counterattack that exploited this flaw. The match revealed potential in midfield and attack but highlighted shortcomings in defensive transitions and finishing.
In comparison, the 2-1 loss to European side Azerbaijan was arguably Bangladesh's most encouraging display of the series. Facing opponents superior technically, tactically and physically, the team showed maturity and resilience absent in the Malaysia match.
Bangladesh starting line-up against Azerbaijan. Photo: BFF
After conceding early, they did not unravel against a side ranked in the top 75; instead, they responded through a superb left-footed volley from Maria Manda, finishing a well-rehearsed set-piece delivered by Sopna Rani.
Maria celebrates scoring against Azerbaijan. Photo: BFF
Goalkeeper Rupna Chakma stood out with several crucial saves, and Butler also praised newcomer Nabiran Khatun for her composure in the backline.
Although Azerbaijan secured a late winner, the contest remained balanced for long stretches -- an encouraging indication of Bangladesh's growing mental and tactical readiness.
Overall, the matches reaffirmed that while Bangladesh possess pace, heart and individual talent, they need significant improvements in technique, physical conditioning, defensive cohesion and clinical finishing to close the gap with stronger sides.
Over the next three months, Butler would aim to refine these areas through further international exposure and targeted work on recurring defensive lapses.
The leap from regional success to continental competition is steep, and Bangladesh must equip themselves with more than spirit to compete at the highest level.
