Bangladesh Women’s Football League champions Rajshahi Stars concluded their maiden campaign in the AFC Women’s Champions League preliminary stage on a resounding note, dismantling Guam’s Rovers FC 8-0 in Malaysia. Although successive defeats in their opening two group fixtures had already ended their hopes of qualifying for the knockout phase, the Bangladeshi side delivered a commanding attacking display to ensure their pioneering continental venture finished with an emphatic flourish.
The tournament had presented a steep learning curve for the debutants from the outset. Rajshahi Stars opened their Group A campaign with a 4-0 defeat against Indian giants East Bengal, before suffering a narrow 2-1 loss to Malaysian hosts Sabah FA in a fiercely contested second match. Those setbacks left the team unable to advance, turning their final group fixture into a matter of sporting pride and a valuable opportunity to showcase their pedigree against international opposition.
From the opening whistle, the Bangladeshi champions dominated proceedings, establishing control in midfield and exploiting wide channels with pace and precise distribution. Forward Tohura Khatun led the scoring with a clinical hat-trick, demonstrating sharp movement inside the penalty area throughout the match. Striker Shamsunnahar added a composed brace, whilst creative playmaker Monika Chakma and Shamsunnahar Junior each contributed a goal. An unfortunate own goal conceded under relentless pressure by the Guamanian defence completed the eight-goal rout.
The result secured third place in Group A for Rajshahi Stars, finishing with three points from their three group fixtures. Despite missing out on qualification, the club’s participation marked a milestone for women’s football in Bangladesh, becoming the nation’s first representative to compete in the newly established AFC Women’s Champions League and laying down a marker for domestic teams aiming to test themselves on the wider Asian stage.
