Bangladesh blow two-goal lead to lose 3-2 to Thailand

Bangladesh surrendered a two-goal lead, conceding twice from the spot, to slump to a heartbreaking 3-2 defeat against hosts Thailand in their opening match of the AFC Women’s U-20 Asian Cup at Thammasat Stadium in Pathum Thani on Wednesday.

Forward Mst Sagorika struck on either side of halftime to give Bangladesh a dream start on their tournament debut, but two costly defensive errors allowed Thailand to turn the game around with three goals in a 10-minute spell.

An outright win would have significantly boosted Bangladesh’s chances of reaching the knockout stage, especially with tougher fixtures against China and Vietnam to follow. The top two teams from each of the three groups, along with the two best third-placed sides, progress to the quarterfinals.

Head coach Peter Butler named a reshuffled starting XI, leaving out several senior players including Afeida Khandokar, while handing the captaincy to defender Arpita Biswas.

Bangladesh looked shaky early on, with goalkeeper Mile Akter struggling under aerial balls. Thailand dominated possession, and Butler was forced into an early change, replacing Sopna Rani with Puja Das in the 26th minute to regain control in midfield.

Despite the pressure, Bangladesh took the lead against the run of play in the 36th minute when Sagorika finished clinically after a perfectly timed run onto a superb through ball from Moumita Biswas.

Sagorika doubled the lead nine minutes after the restart, latching onto another through pass from midfield before calmly beating Thai goalkeeper Atima Boonprakanpai.

Thailand, however, responded with renewed intensity. Mile produced fine saves to deny Pichayatida Manowang and Rinyaphat Moondong in the 61st and 67th minutes, but the momentum soon shifted decisively.

Bangladesh conceded two penalties in quick succession -- first when Surovi Akter Arfin brought down Natcha Kaewanta, and then when substitute Nabiran Khatun fouled Pitcayantiada inside the box. Kursara Limpawanich and Manowang converted from the spot in the 68th and 74th minutes. On both occasions, Bangladesh’s defenders reacted rashly, bringing down opponents who, despite being inside the box, were far from threatening positions. 

Manowang then completed the turnaround in the 78th minute, capitalising on a defensive lapse to score her second and seal a dramatic win for the hosts.

Butler introduced fresh legs late on, but Bangladesh were unable to respond, leaving their campaign off to a disappointing start.