Photo: BSS

DHAKA, March 5, 2026 (BSS) - After an impressive performance in the first 
match against China, Bangladesh face North Korea in their second group match 
of the AFC Women's Asian Cup scheduled to be held at Western Sydney Stadium 
in Sydney, Australia tomorrow (Friday).

The match kicks off at 8 am (Bangladesh time). 
 
This is the first time the two teams are going to face each other in 
international football. Power house North Korea is the three-time champion of 
the Asian Cup. They are the ninth team in the world FIFA ranking. 
Bangladesh's position in the FIFA ranking is towards the bottom of 112th.

North Korea, who started their Group B campaign by beating Uzbekistan 3-0 in 
Sydney, is at the top of the table with three points. Bangladesh started 
their campaign with 2-0 defeat to China and currently stands third in the 
table.

Following Bangladesh's brave performance in their first match against China, 
the Afeida and Co. have gained much confidence to and preparing for the tough 
challenge to face North Korea. 

However, the Bangladesh coach Piter James Butler did not want to dream big of 
playing in the quarter-final right now.

Addressing at a pre match press conference held at conference room of Western 
Sydney Stadium today (Thursday), Butler said North Korea is the highest 
ranked team in Bangladesh's group ...we are here again to face a very, very 
strong team like North Korea. They are a very technically skilled and really 
talented team. If you look at their FIFA rankings, they are probably one of 
the favorites for this tournament."

"I'm a realist and I know that winning this match will be a big challenge for 
us in many ways. But the main thing is to give your best and keep your 
individuality," he added

The English coach said he expects improved performance from his girls like 
the first match so that they can lean in each match. The coach thinks that 
that this is an educational opportunity for his girls to learn from this 
tournament.

Bangladesh Skipper Afeida Khandakar said their aim would be not to repeat the 
same mistakes they did in the first match against China.

She said North Korea is strong team and they would carry their coach's 
instruction in the tough match against Korea.  
  
The North Korean coach also explained Bangladesh's strength, saying, "Their 
attack is very fast.

"They (Bangladesh) are very skilled and sharp. So in the next match, our 
defense will have to be very focus so that they (Bangladesh) don't get any 
chance to score.

The North Korean coach said his team would focus on their defense to stop 
Bangladesh players in Friday's match.

Meanwhile, Bangladesh continued their preparations with a focused training 
session this morning at Jubilee Stadium from before their second match 
against Korea.

The session began with warm-up routines followed by possession-based 
exercises aimed at maintaining rhythm and ball control. 

The coaching staff then focused on tactical preparations with both defensive 
and attacking set-piece drills. Training concluded with finishing exercises 
as the players sharpened their attacking movements ahead of the upcoming 
fixture.