Tigresses ready to write history against mighty China

Sydney’s CommBank Stadium will host a historic encounter on Tuesday as the Bangladesh women’s national football team take on record nine-time champions China in their first ever AFC Asian Cup match. 
Kickoff is scheduled for 2pm Bangladesh time, and the stakes are as much about learning and exposure as they are about results.
For Bangladesh, qualifying for the tournament itself is a milestone.
Under the guidance of head coach Peter James Butler, the team has approached the challenge with courage and pragmatism.
With 11 teenagers in a 26-player squad, Bangladesh have relied on speed, energy, and a fearless attacking mindset to compete against stronger, more experienced opposition. “We arrived here for the most historic game in Bangladesh women’s football history,” Butler said.
“The girls did fantastically well to qualify. We’re here to set a footprint and foundation for future events. Football is a funny game, and we hope to make our country proud.”
Captain Afeida Khandaker emphasised on focus and resilience, saying, “We all know China is very strong, but we will fight. We won’t give up just because they are the defending champions. We will play for our country and give our best.”
Bangladesh wrapped up their preparations with a final, high-intensity session at Jubilee Stadium, blending sharp passing drills, a 30-minute 11v11 internal match, and set-piece rehearsals to sharpen tactical execution.
The session highlighted the team’s focus and readiness, with structured work on rhythm, coordination, and finishing.
Following training, Bangladesh Football Federation President Tabith Awal visited the team hotel, conveying his best wishes and expressing confidence in the squad.

His visit was a morale boost ahead of a match that holds both historic and symbolic significance.
China, currently ranked 17th in the FIFA women’s world rankings, enter the match as overwhelming favourites against 112th-placed Bangladesh.
With nine Asian Cup titles and the experience of reaching the 1999 World Cup final, the defending champions carry both pedigree and expectation.
Head coach Ante Milicic acknowledges the pressure but remains focused on the task at hand, stating, “Bangladesh are first-timers in a major tournament, so they don’t have pressure. There’s always pressure when you’re working for the Chinese national team. We have to take it one game at a time,” Milicic said.
Despite the ranking gap, China respects the challenge posed by Bangladesh.
“We do our analysis and treat every opponent with respect. Bangladesh are young, energetic, and well-coached. They earned their place by beating Myanmar in front of a big crowd, which shows their quality. Our focus remains on executing our plan,” Milicic added.
Tuesday’s encounter presents a classic David v Goliath scenario -- a young, determined Bangladesh team aiming to make a mark in their debut, against a veteran China squad looking to assert dominance and defend their crown.
For Bangladesh, it’s about courage, learning, and setting a foundation for the future.
For China, it’s about discipline, execution, and starting the tournament on a strong note.
Fans across Asia will be watching closely as history unfolds a debutant nation taking on a continental powerhouse in a match that promises intensity, drama, and the thrill of football’s unpredictable nature.