AFC Women's Asian Cup
Consecutive defeats have left the sides’ hopes hanging by a thread but victory will give them a fighting chance to advance as one of the two best third-placed teams.
Debutants Bangladesh’s inexperience at this level was seen in their earlier matches - restricting defending champions China PR to a 2-0 win in the opening game and then succumbing 5-0 to DPR Korea.
“Looking back at the game against DPR Korea, it was a bit of a rude awakening for us, but in a positive sense. It helped us understand the level we are competing at in this tournament,” said Bangladesh head coach Peter Butler.
“We’ve had some good moments and good performances, and we take those positives with us. Tomorrow we go out there to play our game. We will defend when we have to, but we will also look to press and be proactive.”
“Looking back at the game against DPR Korea, it was a bit of a rude awakening for us, but in a positive sense. It helped us understand the level we are competing at in this tournament,” said Bangladesh head coach Peter Butler.
“We’ve had some good moments and good performances, and we take those positives with us. Tomorrow we go out there to play our game. We will defend when we have to, but we will also look to press and be proactive.”
Butler is optimistic of turning the team’s fortunes around against Uzbekistan.
“Hopefully the preparation we’ve done will put us in good stead. Every day is a learning day and every day is part of the learning curve for this team. With an average age of just 19, we go into the next game with optimism. At the same time, we know it won’t be easy.
“This match could be a bit of a cat-and-mouse affair. Both teams might start a little guarded in the way they approach it. But we’re not a team that likes to sit back – that’s not our style. We prefer to play on the front foot.”
“Hopefully the preparation we’ve done will put us in good stead. Every day is a learning day and every day is part of the learning curve for this team. With an average age of just 19, we go into the next game with optimism. At the same time, we know it won’t be easy.
“This match could be a bit of a cat-and-mouse affair. Both teams might start a little guarded in the way they approach it. But we’re not a team that likes to sit back – that’s not our style. We prefer to play on the front foot.”
#WAC2026 - Preview: Group Stage Matchday Three
Uzbekistan suffered 3-0 defeats against China PR and DPR Korea, with head coach Kotryna Kulbyte eager to see her team respond with composure and greater intensity.
“This game will be decisive both for us and our opponents,” said Kulbyte. “We know it won’t be easy. Bangladesh are determined, dynamic and very quick. We are taking this match very seriously and preparing in the best way we can.
“As for scenarios in the group, it’s difficult to predict because there are still many games to be played and anything can happen. But if we put in a good performance on the pitch the results will follow.”
“This game will be decisive both for us and our opponents,” said Kulbyte. “We know it won’t be easy. Bangladesh are determined, dynamic and very quick. We are taking this match very seriously and preparing in the best way we can.
“As for scenarios in the group, it’s difficult to predict because there are still many games to be played and anything can happen. But if we put in a good performance on the pitch the results will follow.”
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The Lithuanian tactician stressed that her team will fight for the three points and will approach the game with a strong attacking mindset.
“We have 26 players who are all prepared to step onto the pitch. Even before this tournament, we had a clear plan – every player must understand which game they are expected to play.
“This is a tournament game, so replacements are always part of the plan. Everyone is preparing fully for tomorrow’s match.”
“We have 26 players who are all prepared to step onto the pitch. Even before this tournament, we had a clear plan – every player must understand which game they are expected to play.
“This is a tournament game, so replacements are always part of the plan. Everyone is preparing fully for tomorrow’s match.”
Trivia
● Uzbekistan lost their most recent match against an opponent they were facing for the first time in the tournament (4-2 vs Vietnam in the 2003 Group Stage), snapping a three-match winning run in such fixtures.
● Uzbekistan have lost their last five AFC Women’s Asian Cup matches – their longest losing run in the competition. In addition, they have also not scored a goal across their last three games in that span – their longest run without finding the back of the net in the tournament.
● Afida Khandaker (Bangladesh – 6) and Maftuna Shoyimova (Uzbekistan – 5) have blocked more shots than any other players in Group B at the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026.
● Monika Chakma (Bangladesh) has contested 38 duels at the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026, seven more than any other player in Group B. In addition, she has also attempted 10 dribbles, the second most of any player in Group B (Zhang Rui – 11 for China PR).
Bangladesh v Uzbekistan
Venue: Perth Rectangular Stadium (Perth)
Kick-off: Monday, 17:00 (UTC+8)
Venue: Perth Rectangular Stadium (Perth)
Kick-off: Monday, 17:00 (UTC+8)
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