KATHMANDU: India’s East Bengal have won the SAFF Women’s Club Championship, organised for the first time by the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF).
In the final played at Dasharath Stadium in Tripureshwor on Saturday, East Bengal defeated Nepal’s APF Club 3–0 to lift the trophy. East Bengal captain Fazila Ikwaput scored twice, while Shilky Devi Hanam added one goal.
Ikwaput opened the scoring in the 22nd minute, giving her side an early lead after capitalising on a lack of coordination between Nepal goalkeeper Anjana Rana Magar and defender Gita Rana.
East Bengal doubled their advantage in the 35th minute through Shilky Devi Hanam, who headed in a cross delivered by Asha Lata following a corner from Sarita Yumnam.
Early in the second half, Ikwaput scored her second goal of the match and East Bengal’s third, effectively sealing the contest. No further goals were scored, and East Bengal secured a comfortable 3–0 victory.
The tournament, which began on Mangsir 19, featured clubs from five countries. Along with the two finalists, the participating teams included Karachi City FC of Pakistan, Nasir Sports Academy of Bangladesh, and Transport United of Bhutan.
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