Bangladesh Women's National Football Team suffered a heavy 5-0 defeat against three-time champions North Korea Women's National Football Team in their second group match of the AFC Women's Asian Cup at Western Sydney Stadium in Sydney, Australia, on Friday, reports AFP.
After showing a fighting performance against China Women's National Football Team in their opening match, Bangladesh were unable to maintain the same tempo against a dominant North Korean side.
North Korea scored twice in the first half and added three more goals after the break to seal a comprehensive victory.
From the opening minutes, ninth-ranked North Korea controlled the match with aggressive pressing, quick passing and sustained attacking pressure. Bangladesh, ranked 112th in the FIFA rankings, struggled to cope with the intensity and spent much of the match defending inside their own half.
Although North Korea created several early chances, some of their initial efforts were ruled out following VAR decisions. Nevertheless, their dominance eventually paid off late in the first half.
North Korea took the lead during added time before the break, scoring twice within two minutes. Myong Yu-jong opened the scoring in the 45+5th minute, and Kim Kyong-yong doubled the lead in the 45+7th minute.
After the restart, North Korea continued their attacking display. Chae Un-young added the third goal in the 62nd minute, before Kim Kyong-yong scored again in the 64th minute to complete her brace. Kim Hye-yong sealed the emphatic win with a goal in the 90th minute.
Bangladesh largely adopted a defensive approach throughout the match and struggled to replicate the proactive style they displayed against China in their opening fixture.
Earlier, Bangladesh head coach Peter Butler made two changes to the starting lineup from the previous match. Striker Tahura Khatun and midfielder Airin Akter were included in place of experienced defender Sheuli Azim and Umhela Marma.
Bangladesh will play their third and final group-stage match against Uzbekistan Women's National Football Team on March 9 in Perth.
Mile Akter, Afeida Khandaker, Nabiran Khatun, Kohati Kisku, Shamsunnahar Sr, Tahura Khatun, Monika Chakma, Maria Manda, Airin Akter, Ritu Porna Chakma and Shamsunnahar Jr.
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
