Rajshahi Stars target AFC Women’s Champions League main draw

Rajshahi Stars FC are determined to make a strong impression on their historic debut in the AFC Women’s Champions League preliminary stage, with the Bangladesh side targeting a place in the tournament’s main draw.

Rajshahi open their campaign against Indian giants East Bengal on 17 August, face hosts Sabah FC on 20 August, and conclude against Guam’s Rovers FC on 23 August.

The Bangladesh champions boast a formidable squad featuring 19 members of the national women’s team, alongside Nepalese defender Bimala BK as their lone overseas recruit.

Head coach Golam Robbani Choton, who previously guided Bangladesh’s women’s national team to regional success, described the campaign as a landmark moment for domestic football.

The squad includes several two-time SAFF Championship winners, along with leading domestic performers from Farashganj, the Army and Police teams, while Bimala adds international experience.

“This is a historic moment for us,” Choton said on Friday at Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) House. “Our opponents are strong, but our players have faced top Asian sides such as China and North Korea in the past. We have been training hard since 8 August. If the girls play their natural game as a united team, every match will be highly competitive.”

Captain Sheuli Azim believes the continental challenge will also provide valuable preparation for the upcoming Asian Games.

“Playing in our first AFC club competition is a major achievement, but we want to give our absolute best on the pitch,” she said. “Most of us play for the national team, so this tournament will help us correct our mistakes, understand where we stand and serve as crucial preparation before the Asian Games.”

The squad will fly to Malaysia on Saturday morning for their Group A campaign, where only the group winners will advance to the next stage.