Bangladesh suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat against visiting Malaysia in the opening match of the tri-nation series at the National Stadium in Dhaka on Wednesday.
Malaysia forward Nur Ainsyah Binti Murad scored the all-important goal in the first half.
The hosts began the game brightly with constant attacks and created two early chances — both involving winger Shamsunnahar Jr. She first delivered a dangerous cross for Monika Chakma, who made a sharp run but failed to connect. Moments later, Shamsunnahar headed a corner from Ritu Porna Chakma, but the effort missed the target.
Shamsunnahar continued to trouble the Malaysian defence with her pace and runs down the right flank.
Malaysia attempted to break into the Bangladesh half, but their efforts were mostly thwarted near midfield.
The home side looked threatening from corners as well, forcing the visitors to stay fully alert in defence.
On the left wing, Ritu Porna worked tirelessly and frequently sent crosses into the box.
However, Bangladesh lacked the finishing touch in the final third.
Malaysia’s goal came from a brilliantly executed counterattack that exposed Peter Butler’s high defensive line. A long delivery over the midfield left only two Malaysian players in the Bangladesh half. Ainsyah collected a neat cross between the onrushing goalkeeper Rupna Chakma and defender Kohati Kisku, before calmly rolling the ball into an empty net.
The Malaysian forward began her celebration even before the ball crossed the goal line.
Butler made attacking changes at the start of the second half, bringing in centre-forwards Tohura Khatun and Mosammat Sagorika in place of Shamsunnahar Jr and Sultana.
Sapna Rani was also introduced to add energy in midfield, and she made an early impact with a long-range shot that went straight to the keeper.
Malaysia created two attempts in quick succession, but neither troubled Rupna.
An alert Rupna later produced a fine save to deny another quick attempt from Ainsyah.
Sagorika’s flying header from a precise Ritu Porna cross went narrowly wide in the 67th minute.
Rupna then rushed out to make a timely block against a Malaysian attack three minutes later.
Bangladesh continued to dominate possession and push forward, but lacked the clinical edge needed for an equaliser.
Malaysia had another good chance late in the game, but Rupna made a diving save in a one-on-one situation.
Maria Manda dribbled past two Malaysian defenders to enter the penalty area but failed to finish.
This was the Bangladesh women’s football team’s first home match of the year.
The hosts will play their second and final match of the series against Azerbaijan on December 2. Azerbaijan, meanwhile, will face Malaysia in their opening match on November 29.
