Bangladesh captain Afida Khandakar and forward Swapna Rani are on their way to Laos to represent Bhutan’s Royal Thimphu College FC in the AFC Women’s Club Championship.
The duo recently signed with the Bhutanese side solely for the continental tournament, while fellow Bangladesh internationals Shamsunnahar Junior, Tahura Khatun and Shaheda Akter Ripa had already joined the club earlier this year to play in the domestic league.
The five footballers posed together in the club jersey before departing and shared their excitement on social media. Forward Shaheda Akter wrote: “At 4:10 pm we will depart from Bhutan for Laos. We will play in the AFC Women’s Club Championship to be held in Laos. Please keep us in your prayers.”
Afida echoed her teammate’s sentiments, posting: “AFC Women’s Club Championship. On the way to Laos.”
Just weeks ago, Afida had returned from Laos after guiding Bangladesh to qualification for the U-20 Women’s Asia Cup. This time, however, she and her compatriots are flying the flag of Royal Thimphu College, who will compete outside Bhutan for the first time since hosting their group stage last season.
Despite Bangladesh winning the SAFF Championship twice, the nation has yet to make an appearance in the AFC Women’s Club Championship. By contrast, Bhutanese clubs have been regular participants. Last year, Rituparna Chakma represented Thimphu College, while Sabina Khatun missed out due to registration complications.
Following the tournament in Laos, Afida and Swapna will return home. The other three Bangladesh internationals Shamsunnahar, Tahura and Ripa will remain in Bhutan to continue their league campaign, which runs until November. Royal Thimphu College are the reigning Bhutan women’s league champions.