A dream season reached its perfect ending as Rajshahi Stars were crowned champions of the Women’s Football League (WFL) with a dominant 3-0 victory over Bangladesh Army in the decisive final-round match on Friday.
The clash at the Bir Sreshtho Mostafa Kamal Stadium had all the ingredients of a grand finale. Rajshahi needed only a draw to lift the trophy, while Army had no option but to win to keep their title hopes alive. Under pressure, the newcomers showed remarkable composure, producing a polished second-half display to seal their maiden league crown.
The opening half was fiercely contested, with both sides committing numbers forward. Army enjoyed a slight edge in possession and looked sharper in midfield exchanges, but Rajshahi remained dangerous on the break. League’s in-form forward Alpi Akter was tightly marked, and clear-cut chances were limited. Rajshahi’s Ritu Porna Chakma saw a free-kick blocked in the 15th minute, while Army’s Tonima Biswas missed a one-on-one opportunity moments later. Just before the break, defender Sheuli Azim cleared off the line to deny Army a potential lead.
Rajshahi emerged from the interval with renewed intensity and quickly tilted the match in their favour. A swift right-wing move saw Sauravi Akand beat the defence and square the ball for Alpi Akter, who calmly slotted home to open the scoring. The goal released the pressure and brought greater control to Rajshahi’s play.
They doubled their advantage in the 59th minute when Shaheda Akter struck first time from Ritu Porna’s teasing cross. With Army pushing forward in search of a lifeline, spaces began to open, and Rajshahi capitalised late in the game. In the 88th minute, Ritu Porna Chakma capped an outstanding performance by curling in a fine angled shot to make it 3-0.
The victory saw Rajshahi finish the campaign with a perfect 30 points from 10 matches, an extraordinary achievement in their very first appearance in the league. Army concluded the season with 24 points, while Farashganj Sporting Club also mounted a strong challenge throughout the tournament.
After a one-and-a-half-year break, the Women’s Football League returned this season amid some organisational concerns, yet the quality and competitiveness of matches provided plenty of positives. Rajshahi’s fairytale triumph stands as the highlight of the campaign.
Defending champions Nasrin Sports Academy endured a difficult season, and three-time champions Bashundhara Kings did not feature in this edition.
For Rajshahi Stars, this historic title is not just a trophy it is the beginning of a new chapter in Bangladesh women’s football.
