Banaat FC opened their AFC Women’s Champions League campaign with a hard-fought 1–1 draw against Royal Thimphu College FC in Qarshi, Uzbekistan.
📅 Monday 17 August 2026
📍 Markaziy Stadium, Qarshi, Uzbekistan
🏆 AFC Women’s Champions League 2026/27 – Preliminary Stage, Group C
For the first time in the club's history, Banaat FC stepped onto the pitch in the AFC Women’s Champions League.
Following their international debut in Jordan just weeks earlier, the UAE champions had reached an even bigger stage — the continent’s third women’s club competition.
Their first challenge came against Royal Thimphu College FC of Bhutan in Qarshi.
Watch the Full Match
Banaat FC vs Royal Thimphu College FC — Watch the Full Match on YouTube
A Fierce Opening
The match began at a relentless pace, with both sides competing aggressively from the opening whistle.
Royal Thimphu College FC (RTC) demonstrated strong organization and teamwork, moving the ball effectively and applying immediate pressure whenever Banaat FC gained possession. The physicality of the contest was evident throughout the opening stages, with both teams committing to challenges and competing for every ball.
RTC thought they had taken the lead as early as the 5th minute, but the effort was ruled offside and the goal was disallowed.
The warning, however, had been issued.
Royal Thimphu College FC Take the Lead
The breakthrough came in the 24th minute.
RTC’s goalkeeper launched a long goal kick down the left side, sending the ball deep into Banaat FC territory. Janista Jinantuya raced alongside Banaat FC defender Ghanima Rashid Alzaabi (20), reaching the ball first before making her attempt from the left side of the box.
The effort deflected off the Banaat FC goalkeeper, Safiatu Salifu (99), before finding the back of the net.
Banaat FC 0–1 Royal Thimphu College FC.
Banaat FC went into the interval trailing by a single goal, with the match remaining finely balanced.
The Fight Back
The second half continued in much the same fashion, with both sides battling intensely for possession.
Banaat FC gradually built pressure and looked for a way back into the game, registering 52% possession across the match and earning nine corners.
But RTC remained organized, limiting Banaat FC’s opportunities and defending their advantage. As the clock moved towards the final stages, Banaat FC continued to push.
Then, in the 86th minute, the equaliser arrived.
Captain Sabrine Mamay (10) stepped up to take a corner from the right. Her first delivery caused a scramble inside the box and was deflected off a RTC player, resulting in another corner.
Mamay delivered again — this time sending a higher ball into the box.
Salha Rashid Alzaabi (6) attacked the delivery, rising to meet it with a header and directing the ball into the back of the net.
Banaat FC 1–1 Royal Thimphu College FC.
Late drama had brought Banaat FC level.
A Point on the Board
Banaat FC continued to push for a winner in the closing minutes, but RTC held firm and the match finished 1–1.
The result gave both sides a point from the opening round of Group C, setting up an important week ahead in Qarshi.
For Banaat FC, the match marked a significant first: their debut in the AFC Women’s Champions League.
The team had faced a highly competitive and physical RTC side, responded after falling behind and found a way back into the game late on.
The road to the next stage had begun.
Group C Continues
With two matches still to play, Banaat FC's Preliminary Stage campaign remained wide open.
The next challenge would come against Master FC of Laos, before the group concluded with a meeting against hosts PFC Nasaf.
Three teams. Two more matches. One place in the Group Stage at stake.
The AWCL journey had begun with a fight — and Banaat FC wasn't finished yet.
Read the Master FC Match Report.
