Bangladesh Girls Hold Indonesia in Tri-Nation Tie
In a gritty display of resilience, Bangladesh’s women’s football team kicked off their Jordan tour with a hard-fought 0-0 draw against Indonesia in the tri-nation tournament in Amman on May 31, 2025. Under the guidance of coach Peter Butler, the team defied the odds to hold a higher-ranked opponent at bay, marking a significant moment for Bangladeshi women’s football.
Despite Indonesia dominating with 69% ball possession compared to Bangladesh’s 31%, the underdogs stood tall at King Abdullah Stadium. Indonesia, ranked 94 in the FIFA standings, faced a determined Bangladesh side sitting at 133. For a team facing Indonesia for the first time, securing a draw against a side 39 places above them is no small achievement.
Captain Afiida Khandaker set the tone before the match, expressing confidence in the squad’s preparation: “We arrived early to adapt to the environment. This team is stronger than the one in Dubai, blending senior and junior players. I’m hopeful for a good result.” While the victory Afiida hinted at didn’t materialize, the draw is a testament to the team’s growing cohesion and potential. The match wasn’t without drama. Bangladesh created several scoring opportunities, with 7 of their 15 shots on target and five corners earned. A late free kick from Rituparna Chakma sailed agonizingly wide, denying Bangladesh a potential winning moment. Indonesia, meanwhile, had their chances, with 4 of 9 shots on target. They came closest to breaking the deadlock when a goal was disallowed for offside and another shot rattled the post.
This performance carries extra weight given the team’s recent history. Last January, 18 players rebelled against Butler, yet nine of them were selected for this tour. Eight of those—Rupana Chakma, Shiuli Azim, Shamsunnahar Senior, Monica Chakma, Maria Manda, Rituparna Chakma, Tahura Khatun, and Shamsunnahar Junior—featured in the starting XI, showcasing their reintegration and commitment. Bangladesh’s defensive solidity and attacking intent frustrated a dominant Indonesian side. The result sets the stage for their final match against hosts Jordan on June 3 at the same venue, where they’ll look to build on this momentum.
Bangladesh XI:
Rupana Chakma, Shiuli Azim, Shamsunnahar Senior, Afiida Khandaker, Kohati Kisku, Monika Chakma, Swapna Rani, Maria Manda, Tahura Khatun, Rituparna Chakma, Shamsunnahar Junior.
