China U20 women’s national team moved a step closer to securing a place in the knockout stage of the AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup 2026 after claiming a convincing 2-0 victory over Bangladesh U20 women’s national team in their Group A encounter at Nonthaburi Stadium.
China PR began the match with relentless attacking pressure, repeatedly testing the Bangladesh defensive line. Early chances fell to Li Ke, who headed wide from a corner, while Lu Jiayu came close moments later with a chipped effort from inside the six-yard box that sailed just over the crossbar.
The East Asian side continued to pile on the pressure as Xiao Yafei unleashed a long-range attempt that was blocked by Bangladesh goalkeeper Mile Akter, before Wang Aifang nearly broke the deadlock with a 25-yard free-kick that Akter tipped onto the post.
China PR’s frustration grew near the end of the first half when Lu Jiayu missed a golden opportunity in the 43rd minute, her powerful header bouncing awkwardly over the bar. Akter then produced another important save to deny Zheng Lu, who had burst past the defence and fired a fierce shot from inside the penalty area.
Bangladesh, pinned deep in their own half for most of the match, created very little going forward, with China goalkeeper Liu Chen only called into action once in stoppage time of the first half.
China PR finally broke the deadlock just two minutes into the second half. Persistent attacking play from Zeng Yujia led to a cutback inside the box, where Yu Xingyue reacted quickest to guide the ball into the top-right corner beyond Akter.
The pressure continued as China pushed for a second goal. Wang Aifang tried her luck from 35 yards in the 63rd minute, though the shot lacked the power to trouble the Bangladesh keeper. Moments later, Akter produced another scrambling save to deny Huang Jiaxin from close range.
China PR eventually sealed the victory in spectacular fashion in the 82nd minute. Wang Aifang stepped up to deliver a powerful 25-yard free-kick that pierced through the defensive wall and flew past Akter despite the goalkeeper getting a hand to the ball.
The result marked China PR’s second consecutive win in the tournament, putting the 2006 champions firmly in control of their qualification hopes ahead of their final group match against Thailand on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh remains without points after two matches but still retains a slim chance of advancing if they manage to defeat Vietnam in their final group fixture.
Credit Photo : HongZheng Lim/SNE-Photo
