Dhaka, Aug. 6 -- Bangladesh made a winning start in the AFC U-20 Women's Asian Cup Qualifiers, defeating hosts Laos 3-1 in their opening match at the New Laos National Stadium in Vientiane on Wednesday.

In their first-ever meeting at any level, Bangladesh dominated early and took control of the match with a brace from forward Mosammat Sagarika and a goal from midfielder Munki Akter.

Sagarika, just 17, had recently finished as the top scorer in the SAFF U-20 Championship and picked up right where she left off.

She opened the scoring in the 36th minute with a header from a Shanti Mardi corner. Munki doubled the lead in the 58th minute after receiving a well-timed pass from Trishna Rani and calmly finishing inside the box.

Laos pulled on...