Bangladesh's dream mission to play in the main stage of the Women's Asian Cup football tournament for the first time ended in Perth after losing 4-0 to Uzbekistan in the final match of the three-match group stage.
Although Uzbekistan was 63 places ahead in the rankings, Bangladesh wanted to continue fighting. After losing 2-0 to China in the first two matches and being crushed 5-0 by North Korea, there was hope to get something in the last match. But Uzbekistan's experience and strong play dashed that hope and Bangladesh exited the tournament.
Uzbekistan took the lead in the first half of the match with a goal from Diyorakhon Khabibullaeva in the 10th minute. Bangladesh tried to regain some rhythm, but defender Kohati Kisku made futile the opportunity from Tohura Khatun's pass in the 42nd minute. In the second half, it was not possible to regain control even though Swedish expatriate Anika Rania Siddiqui was brought on to increase Bangladesh's attack. Goals from Dildora Nozimova in the 62nd and 66th minutes effectively ended Bangladesh's hopes. A fourth goal conceded in the 82nd minute ended Bangladesh's hopes.
Whether Uzbekistan, who finished third in the group, can make it to the last eight or not will depend on the results of the Vietnam vs. Japan and India vs. Chinese Taipei matches on the final day of Group C.
Bd-pratidin English/Lutful Hoque
