Rajshahi Stars thrash champions Nasrin Sports Academy 12-0 in stunning debut

Rajshahi Stars FC, the newcomers in the Women’s Football League, made a spectacular statement in their very first match, overwhelming reigning champions Nasrin Sports Academy with a staggering 12-0 victory on Saturday.

Nepali midfielder Dipa Shahi starred with a hat-trick, while Shaheda Akter Ripa and Sauravi Akanda Prity scored two goals each. Additional scorers included Sapna Rani, Afeida Khandakar, Trishna Rani and Alpi Akter.

The match began with a lightning-fast goal, as Ripa scored just 13 seconds after the referee’s whistle at Bir Shreshtha Mostafa Kamal Stadium in Kamalapur. Captain Sheuli Azim then set up Dipa Shahi to double the lead in the 16th minute, followed by another superb strike from Ripa outside the box in the 24th minute. Prity added a goal in the 38th minute, sending Rajshahi into halftime with a comfortable 4-0 lead.

Nasrin, who had already conceded 8 goals in their opening match against BKSP, struggled again in the second half. Rajshahi continued their relentless attack, with Dipa completing her hat-trick with goals in the 58th and 80th minutes, and adding a fourth in the 84th minute. Prity also scored her second goal in the 64th minute. The remaining goals came from Sapna Rani (53’), Afeida Khandakar (56’), Trishna Rani (75’), and Alpi Akter (76’), bringing the final scoreline to 12-0.

The league is also aimed at preparing players for the upcoming Asian Cup in Australia, but the significance of such a lopsided win was noted by captain Sheuli Azim, who said after the match, “The competition in the league will be good for us. It will help improve our performance. Now, every team will give us a real fight.”