Bahrain bow out: Women's Asian Cup Qualifiers ends with another heavy defeat

TDT | Manama

Email : editor@newsofbahrain.com

Bahrain’s AFC Women’s Asian Cup qualifying campaign came to a punishing close yesterday, losing 6-0 to Myanmar at Thuwunna Stadium in Yangon.

The result was Bahrain's second heavy defeat of the qualifiers, following a 7-0 loss to group winners Bangladesh in their opening match.

Bahrain had already been out of the running for qualification following a 2-2 draw with Turkmenistan last Wednesday, but Myanmar, playing at home, showed no signs of mercy.

Myanmar Turn On the Style

Myanmar broke the deadlock in the 39th minute after a quick build-up ended with a simple finish from close range. Shwe Yee Tun latched onto a squared pass after a teammate dribbled past Rawan Al Ali, leaving the Bahraini defender on the turf.

Just two minutes later, Tun added her second, this time with a low header from a dangerous delivery.

Khin Mo Mo Tun made it three before halftime, easing past two defenders and smashing her effort into the roof of the net. Despite some halftime adjustments, Bahrain's defensive woes continued.

Myanmar's fourth was a thunderous strike from distance by Win Theingi Tun in the 52nd minute, a shot Bahrain keeper Khulood Adam will be disappointed to have let in.

Five minutes later, a flowing team move ended with Nang Phyu Phyu Thwe tapping in Myanmar's fifth.

In the 73rd minute, Win Win added a sixth — given time and space, she calmly picked her spot in the bottom left corner.

Tough Campaign

The loss leaves Bahrain at the bottom of Group C, behind Turkmenistan, Myanmar, and group winners Bangladesh, who booked the group's only qualifying ticket to the 2026 AFC Women's Asian Cup in Australia.

Captain Hessa Al Isa also shared her thoughts: “We hope our supporters keep believing in us and inshAllah we will raise your heads and make Bahrainis proud.”

Bahrain’s fullback Farah Khaled acknowledged the challenge: “We know we didn’t perform at our best, but our young teammates still need experience, and that’s okay because it means we’re growing. So please be patient with us, and inshAllah we will raise your heads and make Bahrainis proud.”