Bangladesh moved a step closer to the AFC Women’s U-17 Asian Cup finals after beating Uzbekistan 2-1 with a last-gasp goal in added time on Thursday.
Runa Akter scored in the third minute of added time as Saiful Bari Titu’s side secured a thrilling victory at Dostlik Stadium in Tashkent.
Bangladesh took the lead in the fourth minute when Almina chipped the ball over Uzbekistan goalkeeper Maria Khalkulova after Fatema Akter’s pass found Purnima on the right flank.
Uzbekistan levelled the score in the 17th minute. Larangiz Lakaeva capitalised on a mistake by Bangladesh defender Irene Khatun, won possession near the box and fired past goalkeeper Meghla Rani Roy.
Both sides created chances in the second half. Bangladesh came close through Alpi Akter, whose shot after entering the box from the right was saved by Khalkulova.
Uzbekistan increased the pressure as the match progressed, but Bangladesh made the most of a counter-attacking opportunity in stoppage time.
In the 93rd minute, Runa Akter latched onto a through ball from Suravi Rani, went one-on-one with the goalkeeper and calmly finished to give Bangladesh a 2-1 victory.
The defeat effectively ended Uzbekistan’s hopes of advancing from the qualifiers after they had already suffered a 4-0 loss to the Philippines on Monday.
Bangladesh will face the Philippines on Sunday. A victory would see them finish as Group H champions and secure a place in next year’s AFC Women’s U-17 Asian Cup finals in China.
The eight group winners in the qualifiers will qualify for the final tournament.