In a landmark achievement for Indian women's football, East Bengal FC has been crowned the champion of the inaugural SAFF Women's Club Championship. The Kolkata-based club, known as the Moshal Girls, delivered a commanding performance to defeat host nation favourites APF FC of Nepal with a decisive 3-0 scoreline in the final.
A Flawless Campaign Culminates in Glory
The historic final took place on Saturday at the Dasrath Stadium in Kathmandu. Under the guidance of coach Anthony Andrews, East Bengal completed a flawless tournament campaign, scoring 14 goals and conceding none across their five matches. This dominant run included group stage victories over Transport United FC of Bhutan (4-0), Karachi City FC of Pakistan (2-0), and Nasrin Sports Academy of Bangladesh (7-0). Their only blemish was a 0-0 draw against the same APF FC in the final group match on December 17, a result they emphatically avenged in the title clash.
Final Match Dominance and Star Performers
Determined to make an early impact, East Bengal found their breakthrough in the 22nd minute. A long ball from defender Sarita Yumnam pressured the APF defence, leading to a headed assist from Damai that found Ugandan striker Fazila Ikwaput unmarked. Ikwaput made no mistake, slotting the ball home to open the scoring.
The lead was doubled just before halftime, in the 35th minute. Indian international Shilky Devi Hemam rose brilliantly to meet a cross from the right flank delivered by Ashalata Devi and powered a header into the net.
Any hopes of an APF comeback were extinguished within seconds of the second half restart. A defensive error saw APF's pass intercepted by Soumya, who immediately played a precise through ball to the ever-dangerous Fazila Ikwaput. From just outside the box, Ikwaput unleashed a powerful shot that the APF goalkeeper, Anjana, could only fumble into her own net, sealing a 3-0 victory for the Indian side.
Records and Road Ahead
Ugandan forward Fazila Ikwaput was awarded the tournament's Golden Boot for her phenomenal tally of nine goals in just five games. More importantly, this victory marks East Bengal as the first Indian women's football club to ever win an international tournament, a monumental milestone for the sport in the country.
Having etched their name in history, East Bengal will now swiftly shift their focus to domestic duties. The champions are set to begin their defence of the Indian Women's League (IWL) title on December 24 in Kalyani, where they will face Sethu FC in their first match of the 2025-26 season.
