‘Fearless’ Bengal Tigresses ready to roar as AFC Asian Cup kicks off

Bangladesh women are charging into their historic AFC Women’s Asian Cup debut with defiance and belief, as goalkeeping coach Masud Ahmed Uzzal declared his side “positive, fearless and ready to prove themselves” on Sunday.

After the training session in Australia, the coach appeared optimistic despite the tough competition; there was no sign of anxiety within the red-and-green camp.

“It’s very tough to predict these girls,” the coach highlighted. “I see no fear in them. They are more motivated because they’ve reached this stage.”

The goalkeeping coach believes the squad fully grasps the magnitude of the moment.

“If they perform well here, many doors will open for them in world football. They are taking this positively, not as pressure. That gives us a lot of hope.”

Drawn in a brutal group alongside nine-time champions China and three-time winners North Korea, Bangladesh will face stern tests against these two continental giants.

Uzbekistan, ranked 49th in the world and five-time Asian Cup participants, complete the group.

Bangladesh women sit 112th in the latest FIFA rankings, a gap of 63 places from their nearest rivals.

Yet Uzzal insists rankings count for little once the whistle blows.

“It’s not about big or small teams,” he said. “If we keep our basics right, mistakes will be fewer. And when mistakes are fewer, the chances of conceding goals decrease.”

Since the qualification and the group draw, the coaching staff has analysed hours of footage of China, North Korea, and Uzbekistan. 

“In training, we explain each player’s responsibility in every zone,” Uzzal revealed. “If everyone maintains their role and technique properly, we can avoid major disasters.”

The Bangladesh women's football team will kick off their campaign on Monday, 3 March, against China in a daunting Group B clash.