Bangladesh eye positive start in Thailand friendlies

Bangla Press Desk: After more than three and a half months away from international action, the Bangladesh women’s national football team are ready to return to the pitch with renewed energy and confidence. Their last outing came in July during the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Qualifiers, and now the red-and-green girls are in Bangkok, Thailand, to play two FIFA International Friendlies against the Thailand women’s national team.

The opening match kicks off on Friday at 4:00pm at the Bangkok Thonburi University Football Training Centre, while the second game will be held on October 27. 

Both fixtures serve as vital preparation for Bangladesh ahead of next year’s AFC Women’s Asian Cup final round.

On Thursday morning, the team held their second training session at Rom Sai Football Ground in Bangkok, focusing on tactical and match-specific drills under head coach Peter Butler and his staff. The players looked composed and focused as they fine-tuned their shape and movement ahead of the opener.

Goalkeeping coach Masud Ahamad Uzzal spoke after training, expressing optimism about the team’s work ethic.

“We’ve completed our second day of practice here in Thailand. The players are doing their best to execute the coach’s instructions. We, the coaches, are assisting them technically and tactically with all the information required,” he said.

In the FIFA Women’s World Rankings, Thailand currently sit 57th while Bangladesh are 104th—a gap of 47 places. Yet Bangladesh’s progress has been striking, having climbed 24 spots in the latest update. Their steady rise has instilled a belief that they can push Thailand harder than ever before.

The last meeting between the two sides came back in 2013, when Thailand ran out 9–0 winners. But this Bangladesh team are a completely different outfit—more experienced, fitter, and mentally stronger. 

Adding intrigue to the contest, Thailand have lost their last three games, including a 2–1 defeat to Myanmar, while Bangladesh recently beat the same opponents by the same scoreline in the Asian Cup qualifiers—an indication of how much closer the gap has become.

Coach Butler, however, has emphasised that results are not the only goal at this stage.

“Win or lose, it’s the attitude that matters. I want to see the fighting spirit from my players,” he said.

BP/SP