Bangladesh’s female football stars Sabina Khatun, Maria Manda, Monika Chakma and youngster Rituporna Chakma are set to feature in the inaugural AFC Women’s Champions League.
The preliminary stage of the maiden AWCL season will be held from August 25 to 31 with the participation of 13 Asian teams divided into four groups.
Sabina and Co will get at least two matches.
Sabina, Maria, Monika and Rituporna all are set to represent Bhutanese club Royal Thimphu College FC in Group D also comprising Iran’s Bam Khatoon FC and Hong Kong’s Kitchee SC.
“The Bhutanese club (RTC FC) wanted four of our players through a letter. They are Sabina, Monika, Maria and Ritu. We permitted all players to play. Only the formalities are left,” Bangladesh Football Federation’s women’s wing chief Mahfuza Akter Kiron informed the media Thursday.
“At first we thought we can’t allow this because of the SAFF preparation. As they will play in the AFC Women’s Champions League against strong teams, we later decided to give permission,” she added.
“The three-week contract starts from August 10 to 31. They will face strong teams at the AWCL which would help them prepare better for this year’s SAFF Women’s Championship in October.” Kiron hoped.
The Group D matches will take place in Bhutan.
The four group winners will progress to the Group Stage where they will be joined by eight top Asian clubs divided into three groups.
Draw
Preliminary Stage
Group A: Myawady Women Football Club (MYA), Young Elephants FC (LAO), Abu Dhabi Country Club (UAE), Al Nassr Club (KSA) (Hosts)
Group B: Odisha Football Club (IND), Lion City Sailors FC (SGP), Etihad Club (JOR) (Hosts)
Group C: PFC Nasaf (UZB), Sabah FA (MAS) (Hosts), APF Football Club (NEP)
Group D: Bam Khatoon FC (IRN), Kitchee SC (HKG), Royal Thimphu College FC (BHU) (Hosts)
Group Stage
Group A: Wuhan Jiangda Women’s FC (CHN) (Hosts), Hyundai Steel Red Angels Women’s FC (KOR), Winners of PS Group C, Winners of PS Group A
Group B: Melbourne City FC (AUS), Kaya FC – Iloilo (PHI), College of Asian Scholars (THA) (Hosts), Winners of PS Group D
Group C: Urawa Red Diamonds Ladies (JPN), Ho Chi Minh City Women’s FC (VIE) (Hosts), Taichung Blue Whale Women’s Football Team (TPE), Winners of PS Group B