In preparation for the forthcoming AFC Asian Cup qualifiers, Bangladesh women's national football team is poised to engage with Jordan and Indonesia in two FIFA international friendly matches in a tri-nation football series. The matches are scheduled to take place in Amman, Jordan.
While the fixtures are confirmed for 31 May and 3 June, the other details are yet to be finalised, with the official schedule expected to be released within the coming days.
Although portrayed as a tri-nation friendly series, the format will not culminate in a final. Each participating team, Jordan, Indonesia, and Bangladesh, will contest two matches apiece, thereby ensuring equal exposure and competitive opportunity.
Speaking on Thursday, Mahfuza Akhter Kiron, Chairperson of the Women's Wing of the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF), confirmed that preparations for the tour are well underway. "This morning, I sat down with our head coach Peter Butler to deliberate over the upcoming series," she stated.
"We have agreed that the team will depart for Jordan on 27 May. Following the conclusion of the matches, the women will return to Bangladesh on 4 June," she said.
Although Jordan, as the host nation, will be providing hospitality for the visiting team from 30 May, the BFF has taken the proactive decision to send the squad three days earlier, affording the players additional time for acclimatisation and intensive training. "This decision aligns with the coach's strategy," Kiron explained.
She said, "It will provide the girls with valuable training days ahead of the matches."
According to the latest FIFA Women's Rankings, both Jordan and Indonesia stand above Bangladesh, ranked 74th and 94th respectively. Bangladesh's participation in this series is a deliberate and strategic move by the BFF, aimed at testing the mettle of the squad against stronger adversaries.
"We wanted the team to face higher-ranked opponents before the Asian Cup qualifiers," Kiran remarked.
"By playing against these two nations, the players will gain a clearer understanding of their own position on the international stage, while the coach will have the opportunity to assess how well our women have progressed over the days. We firmly believe these matches will be immensely beneficial for the team's development."
With this series, Bangladesh hopes to lay a strong foundation and build momentum ahead of the critical continental qualifiers, reflecting a renewed commitment to elevate the women's game on the international stage.
