Tigresses’ Asian Cup campaign ends in 4-0 loss

Bangladesh’s maiden AFC Women’s Asian Cup campaign came to an end with a 4-0 defeat to Uzbekistan in their final Group B match in Perth on Monday.

After losses to China PR and DPR Korea, the heavy defeat meant the Tigresses finished their historic debut without a point, while Uzbekistan kept their quarter-final hopes alive.

Despite the scoreline, Bangladesh produced a comparatively positive display and created several goalscoring opportunities throughout the match.

However, the finishing touch eluded Peter James Butler’s side.

Uzbekistan took the lead early in the 10th minute through Diyorakhon Khabibullaeva, who sprinted onto a long pass and calmly finished past Bangladesh goalkeeper Mile Akter.

Bangladesh gradually grew into the game and responded with a number of promising attacks.

Ritu Porna Chakma once again impressed with a powerful long-range strike from outside the box, but Uzbekistan goalkeeper Maftuna Jonimqulova produced a superb save to deny her.

Goalkeeper Mile also continued her fine form, pulling off several important saves to keep Bangladesh in the contest.

However, the resistance finally broke in the 62nd minute when Dildora Nozimova doubled Uzbekistan’s lead.

Receiving a pass inside the box, she finished confidently to make it 2-0.

The goal seemed to break Bangladesh’s rhythm.

Just four minutes later, Nozimova struck again, capitalising on defensive gaps to extend the lead to 3-0.

Uzbekistan even had another goal ruled out in the 70th minute after Asalkhon Aminjonova appeared to score by taking the ball from Mile, but the referee disallowed the effort following a VAR review.

Bangladesh continued to search for a consolation goal.

In the 82nd minute, Surovi Akter attempted a powerful effort from outside the box, but Jonimqulova once again made a sharp save.

Uzbekistan sealed the emphatic victory in the 88th minute when Nilufar Kudratova fired home from inside the penalty area to make it 4-0.

The final whistle confirmed the end of Bangladesh’s Asian Cup journey.

Some players remained standing on the pitch while others sank to the turf in disappointment after their historic but challenging debut in the continental tournament.

Bangladesh may have left Australia empty-handed, but their maiden appearance at the Asian Cup provided valuable experience for a young side whose average age is just over 19.