Sagarika leads Bangladesh to victory over Laos in U-20 qualifier

Bangladesh made a winning start in the AFC U-20 Women’s Asian Cup Qualifiers, defeating hosts Laos 3-1 in their opening match at the New Laos National Stadium in Vientiane on Wednesday.

In their first-ever meeting at any level, Bangladesh dominated early and took control of the match with a brace from forward Mosammat Sagarika and a goal from midfielder Munki Akter.

Sagarika, just 17, had recently finished as the top scorer in the SAFF U-20 Championship and picked up right where she left off.

She opened the scoring in the 36th minute with a header from a Shanti Mardi corner. Munki doubled the lead in the 58th minute after receiving a well-timed pass from Trishna Rani and calmly finishing inside the box.

Laos pulled one back in the 86th minute, capitalising on a defensive lapse, but Sagarika struck again in stoppage time to seal the win.

Despite Laos being 21 places higher in the FIFA rankings (107 vs Bangladesh’s 128), it was Bangladesh who controlled possession and created more chances.

The result marks only the third win in 13 AFC U-20 Women’s Asian Cup qualifying matches for Bangladesh.

Bangladesh will face Timor-Leste next, while South Korea, who thrashed Timor-Leste 9-0, lead the group on goal difference. Only the group winners and the three best runners-up from eight groups will qualify for the final round in 2026.