Bangladesh’s U-20 women’s team will face their sternest test yet when they take on South Korea in a high-stakes Group H clash at the AFC U-20 Women’s Asian Cup Qualifiers in Vientiane today (Sunday). The girls in red and green are on the verge of making history as they need only one point against South Korea to get the ticket to the AFC Women's Asian Cup U-20 Championship 2026 Thailand qualifiers. Kick-off is scheduled for 03:00 PM Bangladesh time at the Lao National Stadium KM16. With momentum on their side and a chance to make history, the girls in red and green will be hoping to deliver one more inspired performance.
Both teams enter the fixture with perfect records — Bangladesh having dispatched hosts Laos 3–1 and thrashed Timor-Leste 8–0, while South Korea have recorded back-to-back clean sheets, including a 9–0 rout of Timor-Leste. With identical points tallies, the winner of Sunday’s match will top the group and qualify directly for the final tournament in Thailand next year.
Bangladesh, captained by senior international Afeida Khandoker, have been in scintillating form. Forward Sree Moti Trishna Rani netted a hat-trick against Timor-Leste, while Sagorika and Munki Akter have also impressed in attack. The team’s recent eight-match winning streak, including their SAFF U-20 Championship triumph, reflects growing confidence and cohesion.
Coach Peter Butler’s side will need to be tactically disciplined against a technically superior South Korean outfit. The East Asian giants boast a strong youth system and have consistently performed at continental level.
Bangladesh’s defensive line, led by Nabiran Khatun and goalkeeper Swarna Rani Mondal, will be under pressure to contain Korea’s fluid attacking play.
Set-pieces have been a key weapon for Bangladesh, with three of their goals against Timor-Leste coming from corners. However, against a well-drilled Korean defence, they may need to rely more on open-play creativity and midfield control.
Qualification stakes are high. Only group winners are guaranteed a spot in the final tournament, while three best runners-up across eight groups will also progress. Bangladesh currently hold a superior goal difference (11–1) compared to Korea’s (10–0), which could prove decisive if the match ends in a draw.
