East Bengal FC Defeat Bam Khatoon 3-1 in Historic AFC Women’s Champions League Debut
Indian giants East Bengal FC kicked off their AFC Women’s Champions League 2025–26 campaign in emphatic fashion, registering a commanding 3–1 win over Iran’s Bam Khatoon FC in their first Group B fixture on Monday. The Red and Golds, playing their first-ever match in the newly launched continental league, showed composure, pressing football, and clinical finishing to secure all three points in Dushanbe.
The match also marked an important milestone for Indian women’s football, with East Bengal becoming one of the first Indian clubs to compete in the AFC Women’s Champions League, introduced by the Asian Football Confederation to elevate women’s football across Asia.
Key Moments: Early Dominance and First-Half Control
East Bengal wasted no time in taking control of the match. Within just four minutes, a double attempt from Ugandan forward Fazila Ikwaput led to a loose ball falling to Shilky Devi Hemam, who calmly slotted a low strike into the bottom right corner from outside the box. The goal immediately set the tone for the first half, putting Bam Khatoon on the back foot.
The Kolkata side won the midfield battle early, dominating possession and repeatedly disrupting Iran’s build-up play. Bam Khatoon were limited to speculative long-range shots from Sara Didar and Fatemeh Geraeli in their attempt to equalise.
In the 32nd minute, East Bengal doubled their lead after a beautifully worked move between Amnah Nababi and Ikwaput. Nababi split the opposition defence with a perfectly weighted pass that allowed Ikwaput to control, accelerate, and calmly slot past goalkeeper Raha Yazdani for 2–0.
A third goal almost arrived just minutes later when Soumya Guguloth dribbled into space and squared the ball for Resty Nanziri, who misfired from close range.
However, Bam Khatoon struck back against the run of play just before halftime. A handball by defender Jyoti Chouhan allowed Mona Hamoudi to score from the penalty spot in added time, cutting the deficit to 2–1.
Reactions and Tactical Adjustments
After the match, East Bengal head coach (name to be inserted if available) praised the team’s discipline:
“This performance was a statement. We didn’t just play to win, we played to dominate. The start was crucial, and our forwards delivered. It’s a proud moment for Indian football.”
Forward Ikwaput, who played a key role in two goals, said:
“These matches are about using every chance. We respect Bam Khatoon, but we came here to prove ourselves. We want to go deep in this tournament.”
Bam Khatoon coach (name) acknowledged East Bengal’s superior execution:
“We were better in the second half but gave up too much control early. East Bengal were sharp, physically superior, and mentally ready.”
Second Half: Bam Khatoon Fightback Falls Short
The Iranian side returned with greater determination, forcing Panthoi Chanu to make two crucial saves — first from Pasandideh’s long-range drive and later from another set-piece attempt by Geraeli.
East Bengal regained momentum in the last quarter. In the 79th minute, Ikwaput nearly sealed the match but her powerful effort crashed against the post. Yazdani denied her again in the 84th minute, diving low to stop a close-range effort.
Three minutes later, however, substitute Resty Nanziri produced the moment of the game. Picking the ball from distance, she unleashed a superb bending strike that beat Yazdani and landed in the top corner, restoring a two-goal lead and ending the contest.
Impact and Significance
This win is significant for several reasons:
- East Bengal FC became the first Indian club to win a match in the AFC Women’s Champions League
- The result boosts the visibility and credibility of Indian women's football on the Asian stage
- The tactical maturity and international recruitment of players like Ikwaput, Nababi, and Nanziri indicate a new era of competition for Indian clubs
- The win puts East Bengal at the top of Group B and strengthens their chances of reaching the knockout stage
With India preparing to bid for future Asian tournaments and expand leagues like the Indian Women’s League, East Bengal’s success could inspire reforms in infrastructure, scouting, and grassroots development.
East Bengal FC’s 3–1 win over Bam Khatoon FC was more than just a positive opening result — it was a landmark moment for Indian women’s football. From tactical awareness to international-level execution, the side demonstrated they belong at Asia’s biggest stage. With two games left in the group phase, momentum is now firmly on their side.
Final Thoughts from TheTrendingPeople.com
East Bengal’s victory isn’t just a match result — it’s a statement that Indian women’s football is ready to rise. From grassroots talent to international recruitment, the roadmap is clear: compete hard, dream big, and believe in the Indian game. The continent is finally watching — and East Bengal just made sure it won’t forget.