Rajshahi Stars defeat Rovers FC with Tahura’s hat-trick

Rajshahi Stars FC ended their AFC Women’s Champions League 2026/27 Preliminary Stage campaign on a positive note with an 8-0 win against Rovers FC on Sunday.

After defeats in earlier matches, Head Coach Golam Robbani galvanised his charges to salvage some pride in their debut continental outing.

Rajshahi started with purpose and were ahead after three minutes when a speculative shot by Shamsunnahar from 30 yards out slipped through the grasp of goalkeeper Jae Almonte and landed in the net.

The Bangladesh side kept the pressure high and doubled their lead in the 17th minute through Tohura Khatun who sidefooted home from Sultana’s surging run and cross from the left.

Khatun showed her predatory instincts again eight minutes later, steering home another close range effort after Shamsunnahar had driven the ball low across the face of the goal.

The second half mirrored the first, with Rajshahi continuing to pepper shots at Rovers’ goal as they looked to increase the margin.

Two came in quickfire succession, Marlena Connelley unluckily turning the ball into her own net in the 53rd minute with Monika Chakma making it 5-0 seconds later.

A dominant Rajshahi were rewarded with further strikes from Khatun (60th), Shamsunnahar (71st) and Shams (90th+5) as they signed off in style.