Bangladesh coach Peter Butler was looking to embrace the challenge of facing strong opponents after his side were drawn in a tough group, which included defending champions China, in their maiden Women's Asian Cup campaign.

While Afeida shines brightly in the limelight, her elder sister Afra Khandokar has been quietly scripting her own story -- one that, until now, has largely remained out of the public eye.

The Most Valuable Player of the recently concluded SAFF U-20 Women’s Championship talked to reporters on Tuesday.

Her transformation from a striker makes her current role all the more fascinating.

In the long gap between two triumphs, one thing echoes consistently: the cry for long-term planning, and the lingering question of whether we can truly capitalise on success and momentum.

"There are many invisible things that affect performance, which we don’t often talk about."

Hosts Bangladesh kept their impressive winning run intact in the SAFF U-20 Women’s Championship with an emphatic 3-0 win over Bhutan in their fourth match at the Bashundhara Kings practice ground today.

If results go as predicted, Bangladesh could all but seal the title before that final showdown, needing only a draw against Nepal on the last matchday.

Bangladesh forward Umehla Marma returned to the starting eleven when the hosts faced Bhutan in a SAFF U-20 Women’s Champions fixture in Dhaka on Tuesday. In vividly challenging circumstances, on a rain-soaked surface at Kings Arena with threats of lightning and thunders also looming, the girl from Rangamati produced her own sparks.

Midfielder Shanti Mardi scored a hattrick while Munki Akter added one as Bangladesh cruised to a 4-1 victory over Bhutan in their SAFF U-20 Women’s Championship fixture inside the Bashundhara Residential Area on Tuesday, consolidating the top-spot in the four-team competition with a third win in three matches.

Bangladesh made an emphatic start to their title defence of the SAFF U-20 Women's Championship with a 9-1 win against Sri Lanka at the Bashundhara Kings Arena on Friday.

This episode of The Daily Star podcast "Pitch Perfect" seeks answers to these pressing questions.

Designer Tasmit Afiyat Arny created Bangladesh’s women’s football jersey as a powerful symbol of unity, heritage, and pride — blending cultural motifs like Jamdani with modern identity to celebrate overlooked women athletes through purposeful fashion

Travelling to Maghachhari village in Ghagra Union of Kaukhali Upazila, Rangamati, Rizvi handed over Tk 2 lakh in cash on behalf of BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman to support her medical expenses.

On Tuesday, Sanjida participated in the AFC B Licence course at the BFF House, alongside Asian Cup Qualifiers squad member Sheuli Azim and three other female footballers.

Players have spoken publicly about the need for proper nutrition, functioning gyms, better training grounds, and a stable domestic league.

It was a reminder that even elite athletes need their moments of play.

In Peter Butler’s system, the Bangladesh goalie is also the first attacker.

"Ritu Porna is Bangladesh's Messi. There's no doubt Hamza [Choudhury] is also a good footballer. Hamza, too, is a matter of pride for our country," Kiron told reporters on Thursday. 

Having already secured their place in the AFC Women's Asian Cup for the very first time, Bangladesh women’s football team now has a chance to qualify for the 2027 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Olympics as well.