For 15 minutes, it looked like Bangladesh’s under-20 women were on course for a bit of history, but in the end, they suffered a big defeat.

They only needed a draw to top their group and book a first-ever ticket to the under-20 Asian Cup finals. Trishna Rani even gave them the perfect start in Vientiane, turning in Shanti Mardi’s cross to make it 1-0.

That was the high point. South Korea equalised five minutes later through Lee Hyun, punishing a messy defensive moment.

From there, Bangladesh hung on gamely until the break, but the second half turned into a collapse.

Under-20! Women's Asian Qualifiers: Trishna bags hattrick as Bangladesh beat East Timor 8-0

The Koreans went ahead in the 48th minute, and by the hour mark their captain, Chu Hye Yong, had made it 3-1. Bangladesh’s midfield kept coughing up possession, the back line kept getting pulled apart, and the last half-hour was one-way traffic.

Hye Yong added a penalty late on, Lee Hyun got her second, and Jin Herin’s stoppage-time strike sealed a 6-1 rout.

The defeat means Korea finish with three wins from three, while Bangladesh drop into the runners-up lottery. They are currently third among second-placed teams — still enough to qualify — but results in three other groups will decide it.

It could all be settled as soon as Lebanon lose to China. Or, if Australia beat Chinese Taipei by more than two goals, Bangladesh are through.

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The qualifiers have been split into eight groups, with each winner and the three best runners-up joining hosts Thailand next year. Bangladesh are still in the mix — but now they are watching scorelines from the sidelines.