East Bengal FC, the reigning champions of the Indian Women’s League 2024-25, made a resounding statement at the inaugural SAFF Women’s Club Championship after their delayed arrival in Kathmandu. While they missed the pre-tournament conference, their head coach, Anthony Samson Andrews, delivered a powerful message following their dominant 4-0 victory over Transport United FC.
“We are here for something special,” Andrews declared. “We are here to create history.”
The Indian champions bolstered their squad with key additions, most notably the Ugandan forward Fazila Ikwaput.
Fazila Ikwaput: A Game-Changer
Ikwaput’s arrival brought an immediate impact. Previously, she showcased her scoring prowess for Gokulam Kerala FC in the Indian Women’s League 2024-25, topping the scoring charts with an impressive 24 goals. To put that in perspective, East Bengal’s own Elshaddai Acheampong followed with 10 goals.
Her debut for East Bengal was nothing short of spectacular. Ikwaput scored twice against Transport United, opening the scoring in the 35th minute and sealing the victory with the team’s fourth goal in the 72nd minute. Beyond her goals, Ikwaput also played a crucial role in setting up Sulanjana Raul and Resty Nanziri for their goals in the 60th and 63rd minutes, respectively. Despite creating numerous opportunities, she was unable to further increase her goal tally.
East Bengal’s Legacy and Ambitions
East Bengal FC boasts a storied history, particularly in men’s football. Founded in 1920, it is considered one of India’s most successful clubs, rivaled only by Mohun Bagan. This rivalry is deeply ingrained in Indian football culture. When questioned about the club’s investment in the women’s team, established in 2001, Andrews emphasized the club’s high aspirations.
“We won our first title last season [2024-25], and that’s why we are here,” Andrews stated. “Obviously, the club’s legacy is also an additional motivation for us to continue. Especially, with this girl’s [team], to empower these girls, we are serious.”
Transport United’s Missed Opportunities
Despite the scoreline, Transport United did have their chances. Both teams created opportunities in the opening minute, and the Bhutanese side generated several more throughout the match, but they failed to convert any of them into goals.
East Bengal’s commanding win positions them as strong contenders for the SAFF Women’s Club Championship title. They are currently level with Nepal’s Armed Police Force (APF) Club, who also secured a 4-0 victory against Bangladesh’s Nasrin Sports Academy on the opening day.
Nasrin Sports Academy’s Struggles
In contrast to East Bengal’s confidence, Nasrin Sports Academy, the champions of Bangladesh’s 2024 season, expressed uncertainty about their chances of reaching the final. In a tournament where the top two teams from a single round-robin league stage advance to the final, their task is challenging.
“It is a difficult question,” said Md Monir Hossain, head coach of Nasrin Sports Academy, following a goalless draw with Pakistan’s Karachi City FC. “We want to, though.”
The draw earned Nasrin their first point after two matches. They still have to face East Bengal and Transport United. “We have six days before our next game,” Hossain said. “We will train properly, analyse our upcoming opponents’ games and try to produce better results.”
Karachi City FC’s Approach
Adeel Mirza Rizki, head coach of Karachi City FC and the Pakistani women’s national team, echoed a similar sentiment, emphasizing a focus on one match at a time. Karachi City, with two points from two draws, will face East Bengal and APF in their remaining fixtures.
“Nasrin were better with the ball today,” Rizki said after the draw. “They should be praised for their game. We want to end the tournament on a high note, and we will focus on the upcoming games.”
Logistical Challenges
Hossain also highlighted the challenges related to training facilities. “One training ground [Chyasal Stadium] is near, but the other [Nepali Army’s ground in Bhadrakali] takes an hour, which is hectic,” he said. “We hope that the organisers facilitate it. But not a big issue as it is a problem for all.”
All five teams are accommodated at the Royal Tulip Kathmandu.
The championship resumes after a two-day break on December 11, with East Bengal taking on Karachi City, followed by APF facing Transport United. APF views East Bengal as their primary competition for the title, and their head coach, Jibesh Pandey, was present to observe East Bengal’s match against Transport United.
