AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026: Bangladesh suffers a loss against China in the campaign opener

China’s Wang Shuang and Zhang Rui struck late in the first half as the Women’s Asian Cup holders defeated debutants Bangladesh 2-0 in Group B on Tuesday.

Wang’s 24th-minute header was ruled out for offside in the build-up, but the striker, who scored five goals in the 2022 edition, scored 20 minutes later with a right-foot shot that curled into the net at the far post.

Zhang doubled China’s lead two minutes later when her low shot from outside the penalty area was deflected by a defender.

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Bangladesh goalkeeper Mile Akter’s flying save denied Zhang Chengxue in the 68th minute, keeping Bangladesh in the match.

But Bangladesh’s attacking moves were shut out by China, with only one shot from the opponent’s penalty area in the match.

China will face Uzbekistan on Thursday, while Bangladesh will play North Korea.

Published on March 3, 2026