The Bangladesh national women's football team wasted no time getting down to business after arriving in Yangon, Myanmar, on Wednesday, for their Asian Cup qualifiers. Fresh off a long journey, the squad, led by Rituporna Chakma, headed straight to the gym for a light recovery session to shake off travel fatigue.
The team touched down in Yangon at approximately 11:00 AM local time on Wednesday, reaching their designated hotel around an hour and a half later after completing airport formalities. Their journey began in the early hours of Wednesday morning, departing Bangladesh at 2:45 AM via Thai Airways. The flight arrived in Bangkok at 6:00 AM Thai time, where they had a three-hour layover before continuing their journey to Myanmar.
This trip marks a significant return for Bangladesh women's football to Myanmar. The Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) had controversially opted not to send the SAFF Champions, led by Sabina Khatun, for the Paris Olympics qualifiers in April 2023, citing financial constraints.
According to information from the BFF, it was raining in Yangon, but the entire Bangladeshi contingent is reported to be in good health and spirits. Bangladesh's first match in the Asian Cup qualifiers is scheduled for Sunday. The team's early arrival, four days ahead of their opener, is a strategic move to allow them ample time to acclimatise to the local conditions and environment.
Bangladesh finds itself in a challenging group alongside hosts Myanmar, Turkmenistan, and Bahrain. Only the group winners will secure a coveted spot in next year's Women's Asian Cup. The primary obstacle in their path to topping the group will undoubtedly be the hosts, Myanmar, who boast a significantly higher FIFA ranking of 55 in women's football. Despite Myanmar's perceived strength, Afida Akter's squad has reportedly departed Bangladesh with confidence, determined to earn crucial points against their formidable opponents and make a strong statement in the qualifiers.
