Sweden-based midfielder Anika Rania Siddique is set to make her debut start for Bangladesh as head coach Peter Butler implements three alterations to his lineup for the crucial Group B match against Uzbekistan in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 at the Perth Rectangular Stadium.
Anika, who has previously featured twice as a substitute in the tournament, will take the place of Airin Khatun in the starting eleven as Bangladesh aims to secure their first victory in the continental tournament.
Butler has opted to reintroduce experienced defender Sheuli Azim in the position of Nabiran Khatun, while Umehla Marma makes a return to the squad, displacing fellow forward Shamsunnahar Junior.
This match offers Bangladesh, participating in the competition for the first time, a rare chance to compete against a team closer to their ranking. The South Asian champions, ranked 112th, faced tough challenges in their initial two games, putting up a spirited fight in a 2-0 loss against defending champions China PR and a 5-0 defeat against three-time winners DPR Korea.
Uzbekistan, ranked 49th, suffered 3-0 losses to both China and Korea, presenting a significant challenge to Bangladesh. However, the Women in Red and Green view Monday’s game as their best opportunity to achieve a historic result in the tournament.
A triumph could potentially keep Bangladesh in the running for a quarterfinal spot as one of the top third-placed teams, a feat that would also secure a pathway to the qualification for the 2028 Olympic Games.
Advancing in the tournament would enhance Bangladesh’s chances of qualifying for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, as the top six teams in the Asian Cup directly qualify for the global event, while the seventh and eighth-placed teams enter continental playoffs.
Bangladesh’s starting lineup will feature Mile Akter (GK), Afeida Khandaker (C), Sheuli Azim, Shamsunnahar Sr., Kohati Kisku, Maria Manda, Monika Chakma, Anika Rania Siddique, Ritu Porna Chakma, Tohura Khatun, and Umehla Marma.