Rajshahi Stars surged to the top of the Bangladesh Women’s Football League standings with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Farashganj on Saturday, taking advantage of a rare goalkeeping error. The decisive strike came from Alpi Akhtar, whose composed finish capitalised on goalkeeper Iarjan Begum’s misjudged backpass, securing a crucial victory and strengthening Rajshahi’s championship credentials.
Earlier in the eighth round at Bir Sreshtho Shahid Sipahi Mostafa Kamal Stadium in Kamalapur, Bangladesh Army also recorded a resounding 9-0 win over Shapuskurini Youth Sporting Club, keeping themselves in close contention for the title. Following the round, both Rajshahi Stars and Bangladesh Army sit on 21 points, though Army have played one more match. Farashganj remain third with 18 points as the league heads into its final two rounds.
The day’s matches showcased the tight title race. After the seventh round, three teams—Rajshahi Stars, Army and Farashganj—were level on 18 points. Army briefly topped the table following their goal-filled win, but Rajshahi Stars’ victory against Farashganj immediately reclaimed the summit, highlighting the fierce competition at the top.
Rajshahi Stars’ triumph marked their seventh consecutive win, leaving them the only unbeaten side in the league so far. Alpi Akhtar’s 38th-minute goal proved pivotal in a match defined by precision and composure under pressure, while goalkeeper Iarjan could only rue her uncharacteristic error that allowed the decisive strike.
In the opening match of the day, Nasrin Academy suffered another heavy defeat. Soma Rani scored a hat-trick as Siraj Smriti Sansad thrashed the previous season’s champions 5-0, demonstrating their attacking prowess and hinting at potential late-season surprises.
