The first two quarterfinals of the Chitra Post-Star News Women's Football Tournament 2026 offered contrasting spectacles—a high-stakes tactical battle of stars on one hand, and a dazzling, one-sided exhibition of dominance on the other.
In the opening match at the Daffodil International University grounds in Savar on Thursday, Tangail's formidable Shaheed Forhad Hossain Talukdar Football Academy edged out Thakurgaon's Rangatungi Football Academy 1-0 to become the first team to secure a spot in the semifinals. Following them, Rangamati's Suihlamaing Football Academy cruised into the last four with a resounding 6-0 victory over Kushtia Football Academy, courtesy of a stellar performance from the hill tract side.
The day's first quarterfinal was billed as a marquee clash, glittering with national stars right from the opening whistle. Thakurgaon's Rangatungi pinned their semifinal hopes on experienced SAFF-winning forward Sanjida Akhter, alongside fellow star Swapna Rani. However, they ran into a formidable wall in Tangail's side, which boasted a roster packed with multiple SAFF champions, including Krishna Rani Sarkar, Masura Parvin, Nilufa Yasmin, Marzia, and newly added national star Matsushima Sumaiya.
In this fierce battle of national titans, Sanjida and Swapna ultimately had to bow out, paving the way for Tangail to claim the tournament's first semifinal berth. The decisive goal in the intensely contested match came from right-back Josna. Playing for the Tangail academy, the youth national team player struck the winner in the 13th minute, capitalizing on an assist from Sumaiya.
