Bangladesh women's team suffered a 3-1 defeat to hosts UAE in the first of two FIFA friendly matches in Dubai on Wednesday.

Bangladesh, sans 18 senior players and comprising mostly U-20 players, fielded a second-string side against an experienced UAE side, possessing a few European-origin players.

Peter Butler's charges could hold UAE for 18 minutes before Elizabeth Forshaw broke the deadlock. Ten minutes later, Georgia Gibson doubled the lead against a new-look Bangladesh, who might have been under pressure to deliver in their first international match since last year's triumph in the SAFF Women's Championship in Nepal.

However, Bangladesh hit back in the 35th minute when defender-cum-captain Afeida Khandokar converted from the spot.

After resumption, the visitors tried to level the margin, but it was again Gibson who made it 3-1 to ensure her team's victory in the maiden affair between the two senior sides.

 "It's disappointing to lose any game… But I thought the way we played was outstanding, played some great football," Bangladesh coach Butler said after the match.

"This is not about winning games, but about development and moving forward for future competitions," he added.