Wang Shuang (C) of China competes during the Group B match of Women's Asian Cup between China and Bangladesh at Western Sydney Stadium in Sydney, Australia, March 3, 2026. (Photo by Hu Jingchen/Xinhua)

SYDNEY, March 3 (Xinhua) -- Defending champion China began its 2026 AFC Women's Asian Cup campaign with a comfortable 2-0 win over Bangladesh here on Tuesday night.

China's Steel Roses scored twice at the end of the first half to take control of the match at Western Sydney Stadium after being denied earlier breakthroughs by a resolute Bangladesh defense.

Wang Shuang, who was on Monday named the Chinese Women's Footballer of the Year for the fifth time, was the China's most threatening player throughout the first half and provided the opening goal in the 44th minute when she placed a long range strike into the top left corner of the goal.

The advantage was doubled two minutes later when Zhang Rui's strike from the edge of the penalty area was deflected into the bottom left corner.

The Chinese women continued to create clear goal scoring opportunities through the second half, but could not find a third goal, with Bangladesh goalkeeper Mile Akter making several critical saves.

Bangladesh, who are playing at the Women's Asian Cup for the first time, had their own best opportunity of the night in the 14th minute when Ritu Porna Chakma's long range shot from the left wing forced Chinese goalkeeper Chen Chen to make a one-handed save while tracking back towards goal.

The win against Bangladesh maintains the Steel Roses' record of having never lost their opening match at a Women's Asian Cup and leaves China in second place in Group B behind DPR Korea, who beat Uzbekistan 3-0 earlier on Tuesday.

China will play their second group stage match against Uzbekistan at Western Sydney Stadium on Friday night, while Bangladesh will take on DPR Korea on Friday afternoon. ■

Lyu Yatong (C) of China competes during the Group B match of Women's Asian Cup between China and Bangladesh at Western Sydney Stadium in Sydney, Australia, March 3, 2026. (Photo by Hu Jingchen/Xinhua)

Zhang Rui (L) of China celebrates with her teammate Wang Shuang during the Group B match of Women's Asian Cup between China and Bangladesh at Western Sydney Stadium in Sydney, Australia, March 3, 2026. (Photo by Hu Jingchen/Xinhua)

Wang Shuang (L) of China vies with Shamsunnahar of Bangladesh during the Group B match of Women's Asian Cup between China and Bangladesh at Western Sydney Stadium in Sydney, Australia, March 3, 2026. (Photo by Hu Jingchen/Xinhua)

Jin Kun (L) of China shoots during the Group B match of Women's Asian Cup between China and Bangladesh at Western Sydney Stadium in Sydney, Australia, March 3, 2026. (Photo by Hu Jingchen/Xinhua)

Jin Kun (L) of China vies with Maria Manda of Bangladesh during the Group B match of Women's Asian Cup between China and Bangladesh at Western Sydney Stadium in Sydney, Australia, March 3, 2026. (Photo by Hu Jingchen/Xinhua)

Wurigumula (Rear, C) of China celebrates with her teammate Wang Shuang during the Group B match of Women's Asian Cup between China and Bangladesh at Western Sydney Stadium in Sydney, Australia, March 3, 2026. (Photo by Hu Jingchen/Xinhua)

Wurigumula (top) heads the ball during the Group B match of Women's Asian Cup between China and Bangladesh at Western Sydney Stadium in Sydney, Australia, March 3, 2026. (Photo by Hu Jingchen/Xinhua)

Zhang Rui (Rear) of China celebrates with her teammate Wang Shuang during the Group B match of Women's Asian Cup between China and Bangladesh at Western Sydney Stadium in Sydney, Australia, March 3, 2026. (Photo by Hu Jingchen/Xinhua)

Wurigumula (C) of China shoots during the Group B match of Women's Asian Cup between China and Bangladesh at Western Sydney Stadium in Sydney, Australia, March 3, 2026. (Photo by Hu Jingchen/Xinhua)

Starting players of Bangladesh line up for photos prior to the Group B match of Women's Asian Cup between China and Bangladesh at Western Sydney Stadium in Sydney, Australia, March 3, 2026. (Photo by Hu Jingchen/Xinhua)