Sports Desk:

The Bangladesh women’s football team signed off from the Jordan 2025 Friendly Tournament with a spirited 2-2 draw against the hosts at the King Abdullah II Stadium in Amman on Tuesday night — a result that marks significant progress for the side.

Jordan, currently 74th in the FIFA rankings, had beaten Bangladesh 5-0 in their last meeting back in 2021. But this time, the South Asians — ranked 133rd — showed just how far they’ve come.

The hosts made a strong start, taking the lead in the fifth minute through a strike from captain Maysa Jebarah.

Bangladesh responded with determination and composure, eventually drawing level just before the break courtesy of a well-taken goal by Shamsunahar Jr.

Bana Bitar restored Jordan’s advantage in the 58th minute, but Bangladesh were not done. In the 83rd minute, Shaheda Akter Ripa struck the equaliser, capping off a performance full of grit and attacking intent.

The outcome reflected the optimism expressed by midfielder Maria Manda ahead of the match, when she said the team were “ready to play good football and leave the field with a win.”

While victory narrowly escaped them, the draw will feel like a moral win for a side continuing to evolve with each outing.

Tuesday’s result followed a goalless draw against Indonesia — ranked 94th — in their opening match on Saturday.

These back-to-back performances against higher-ranked opponents offer encouraging signs for Bangladesh, who are using this tour as preparation for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Qualifiers set for later this month.

Assistant coach Mahbubur Rahman Litu remarked before the match, “We’re improving match by match.”

That statement now feels well justified, with Bangladesh returning home not only unbeaten but emboldened — and perhaps, quietly believing they can surprise even more in the weeks to come.