Late double blow puts China ahead against brave Bangladesh

Defending champions China lead 2-0 at half-time, but Bangladesh produced a spirited and fearless display in their historic AFC Women’s Asian Cup debut.

China, the current holders and record nine-time champions, initially struggled to break down a disciplined and energetic Bangladesh side.

The South Asians absorbed early pressure with composure, and goalkeeper Mile Akter played a crucial role in keeping the score level with a series of important saves.

Bangladesh were not content to simply defend.

They showed attacking intent and nearly stunned the stadium in the 14th minute with a breathtaking counter-attack.

Ritu Porna Chakma raced past a Chinese defender to seize possession and drove forward at pace towards the penalty area.

Spotting goalkeeper Chen Chen slightly off her line, Ritu Porna unleashed a powerful left-footed strike from nearly 30 yards out.

The effort was destined for goal before Chen reacted superbly, leaping backward to tip the ball away and prevent what would have been a sensational opener.

China thought they had taken the lead in the 24th minute, and Bangladesh’s players even prepared for the restart.

However, VAR intervened.

During the attacking move, Chinese star Wang Shuang appeared to be in an offside position while breaking through the Bangladesh defense—an infringement not spotted by the assistant referee in real time.

After a lengthy review that lasted more than five minutes, and with both teams waiting anxiously on the pitch, the referee consulted the pitch-side monitor before ultimately ruling the goal out for offside.

The reprieve, however, was short-lived.

Just as Bangladesh looked set to reach the break level, China struck twice in quick succession.

In the 44th minute, Wang Shuang found space outside the penalty area and fired a powerful shot into the net to give the defending champions the lead.

Two minutes later, midfielder Zhang Rui doubled the advantage.

Bangladesh’s defense failed to clear their lines on multiple attempts, and Zhang’s effort took a deflection off defender Afeida Khandaker before looping into the goal.

The second goal was also checked by VAR, but the decision stood.

Despite conceding twice in the closing stages, Bangladesh showed courage and resilience throughout the first half.

Goalkeeper Mile, not a regular starter at international level, appeared nervous early on against the Asian champions but gradually settled into the game and produced several commendable saves.

At the break, China hold a 2-0 advantage, but Bangladesh have demonstrated heart, ambition, and the ability to trouble one of Asia’s giants on their biggest stage yet.