In a remarkable display of consistency, Shamsunnahar Junior, striker for Farashganj Sporting Club, has been named Player of the Match in all five of her team’s opening fixtures in the Bangladesh Women’s Football League. While consecutive wins are expected for top teams, securing the best player award in each match is an exceptionally rare feat.
Today at Kamolapur Stadium, Farashganj edged past fellow title contenders Bangladesh Army Women’s Team 1-0, with Shamsunnahar’s solo strike deciding the outcome. Both teams entered the clash unbeaten, Army having won their previous five fixtures and Farashganj having triumphed in their last four.
The decisive goal came from Shamsunnahar’s impeccable left-footed finish. Seizing a rare defensive error by an Army player, she collected the ball just outside the box and fired it into the far corner of the net, leaving the goalkeeper with no chance. This victory not only extended Farashganj’s winning streak to five matches but also positioned them favourably on the path to the title. Their next challenge lies against Rajshahi Stars, another strong contender.
Shamsunnahar’s season statistics are nothing short of phenomenal: she has scored 19 goals in five matches, earning Player of the Match honours in each, with the first being shared and the subsequent four as sole recognition. Notably, in her previous two fixtures, she scored four goals each despite battling illness, demonstrating both skill and resilience.
| Match | Opponent | Goals Scored | Player of the Match | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dhaka University | 4 | Shared | Played while unwell |
| 2 | Sheikh Jamal | 4 | Sole | Match-winning performance |
| 3 | Chattogram Abahani | 4 | Sole | Exceptional headers |
| 4 | Motijheel Ladies | 4 | Sole | Critical in securing victory |
| 5 | Bangladesh Army | 1 | Sole | Left-footed winner in tight match |
Reflecting on her performance, Shamsunnahar said, “This match was challenging, but scoring the goal that secured the win feels fantastic. Being Player of the Match in all five games is a record I’m proud of.” Though renowned for her heading ability, she expressed particular satisfaction with today’s left-footed goal, adding, “It was a tough game, and this goal feels special. I aim to improve further and score even more.”
Farashganj captain Maria Manda emphasised realism despite the team’s unbeaten start: “The league isn’t over yet. There are tougher matches ahead, and winning the title won’t be easy. But we are confident, having defeated a team full of national players.”
In addition to the Player of the Match trophy, Shamsunnahar received 10,000 Taka, along with a personal gift of 500 Taka from an official present at the game. With such destructive form on display, it seems certain that Shamsunnahar is poised to break every league record this season.