In a monumental achievement that underscores the club’s legacy as a trailblazer in Indian football, East Bengal has etched its name in history books by becoming the first Indian club to defeat Iranian clubs in competitive matches across both men’s and women’s categories. This remarkable double achievement—separated by 55 years—demonstrates the Red and Gold Brigade’s enduring commitment to excellence and their pioneering spirit in continental football.
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East Bengal Women Create History in AFC Women’s Champions League
The latest chapter in this historic narrative was written on November 17, 2025, when East Bengal’s women’s team delivered a commanding 3-1 victory over Iran’s Bam Khatoon FC in their AFC Women’s Champions League 2025-26 Group B opener.
East Bengal FC etched their name into Indian football history, becoming the first-ever Indian team to win a main-draw match at the AFC Women’s Champions League, defeating Iranian champions Bam Khatoon FC 3–1 in their Group B opener.
Match Summary: East Bengal Women vs Bam Khatoon FC
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Competition | AFC Women’s Champions League 2025-26 |
| Date | November 17, 2025 |
| Venue | Hankou Cultural Sports Centre, Wuhan, China |
| Result | East Bengal 3-1 Bam Khatoon FC |
| Goalscorers (EBFC) | Shilky Hemam (4′), Fazila Ikwaput (32′), Resty Nanziri (87′) |
| Goalscorer (Bam Khatoon) | Mona Hamoudi (45+’ penalty) |
| Significance | First Indian club to win AFC Women’s Champions League main draw match |
Playing in freezing cold and rainy conditions, EBFC Women dictated the tempo from the outset, overwhelming their Iranian counterparts with waves of attacks. The performance was nothing short of sensational, with the Indian champions showcasing tactical maturity and attacking prowess that belied their status as debutants at this elite level.
East Bengal’s Dominant Display Against Bam Khatoon
East Bengal hit the ground running against Bam Khatoon and took the lead as early as the fourth minute after two blocked attempts by Fazila Ikwaput saw the ball falling kindly to Shilky Hemam, who struck a low shot into the bottom right corner from just above the box. The early goal set the tone for what would become a masterclass in attacking football.
The Red and Gold Brigade continued their dominance throughout the first half. East Bengal doubled their advantage in the 32nd minute following a slick build-up which involved Amnah Nababi threading a perfectly-timed through ball to Ikwaput, who showed good ball control before slotting past Raha Yazdani.
Bam Khatoon, the 11-time Iranian champions, managed to pull one back just before halftime through a penalty converted by Mona Hamoudi, but any hopes of a comeback were extinguished in dramatic fashion. Any hope of a Bam Khatoon fightback was extinguished three minutes later after Nanziri launched a spectacular effort from distance, which bent over Yazdani before settling into the back of the net to seal the win.
The Men’s Historic Achievement: 1970 IFA Shield Victory
While East Bengal’s women made headlines in 2025, the club’s men had already paved the way 55 years earlier with an equally historic achievement. The club stunned everyone by winning the 1970 IFA Shield against PAS Club of Iran by a score of 1–0, in front of 60,000 supporters at the Eden Gardens.
Comparison of East Bengal’s Victories Over Iranian Clubs
| Category | Year | Competition | Opponent | Score | Venue | Attendance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Men’s Team | 1970 | IFA Shield Final | PAS Club (Iran) | 1-0 | Eden Gardens, Kolkata | 60,000 |
| Women’s Team | 2025 | AFC Women’s Champions League | Bam Khatoon FC (Iran) | 3-1 | Hankou Centre, Wuhan | – |
The 1970 victory came during a golden era for East Bengal, when the club was establishing itself as a force in Indian football. Playing in front of a capacity crowd at the iconic Eden Gardens, the Red and Gold Brigade delivered when it mattered most, securing a narrow but decisive victory that would be remembered for decades.
East Bengal’s Legacy in International Football
This double achievement against Iranian opposition is just one highlight in East Bengal’s storied history of international football success. The club has consistently been at the forefront of Indian football’s engagement with continental and global competitions.
In 1948, East Bengal became the first team to defeat a foreign club on home soil. They won 2–0 against the visiting Chinese Olympic XI. This pioneering spirit has continued throughout the club’s history, with numerous firsts and memorable victories on the international stage.
On 26 July 2003, East Bengal made history as they defeated the favourites BEC Tero Sasana 3–1 with goals from Mike Okoro, Bhaichung and Alvito D’Cunha, hence becoming the first Indian club to win a top-level officially recognised tournament when they clinched the ASEAN Club Championship.
Breaking Barriers: First Indian Club in AFC Women’s Champions League Main Draw
The significance of East Bengal Women’s achievement extends beyond just defeating an Iranian opponent. They are now the first Indian team to win a main-draw match at the AFC Women’s Champions League, setting a precedent for Indian women’s football on the continental stage.
The team entered the competition as Indian Women’s League champions, carrying the hopes of an entire nation. Their performance against Bam Khatoon, who reached the quarter-finals in the previous season, demonstrated that Indian women’s football has arrived at the elite Asian level.
Tactical Excellence and Key Performers
East Bengal Women’s victory was built on solid tactical foundations and individual brilliance. Playing under persistent rain on a slippery surface, East Bengal displayed tactical maturity, attacking intent, and composure under pressure to secure a memorable victory.
East Bengal Women’s Goal Scorers Profile
| Player | Position | Goal Time | Type of Goal | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shilky Devi Hemam | Forward | 4′ | Rebound finish | Opened scoring, set the tone |
| Fazila Ikwaput | Forward | 32′ | Through ball finish | Doubled lead, showed composure |
| Resty Nanziri | Midfielder | 87′ | Long-range spectacular | Sealed victory, stunning strike |
Fazila Ikwaput, the team’s talisman, was instrumental throughout the match, constantly troubling the Iranian defense. East Bengal doubled their advantage in the 32nd minute following a slick build-up which involved Amnah Nababi threading a perfectly timed through ball to Ikwaput, who showed good ball control before slotting past Raha Yazdani.
The Road Ahead for East Bengal Women
Following this historic victory, East Bengal women now sit atop Group B in the AFC Women’s Champions League. The victory in the early stages of the tournament will come as an early boost to East Bengal’s quarterfinal hopes as they look forward to the clash against defending champions Wuhan Jiangda Women’s FC next.
The challenge ahead is formidable—facing the defending champions requires maintaining the same level of performance while potentially elevating their game even further. However, the confidence gained from defeating a strong Iranian side will undoubtedly serve them well.
What This Means for Indian Football
East Bengal’s achievement represents more than just two victories—it symbolizes the evolution and growing strength of Indian football, particularly in the women’s game. The club’s ability to compete and win at the highest Asian level demonstrates that Indian teams can hold their own against traditionally stronger footballing nations.
The 55-year gap between the men’s and women’s victories also highlights the remarkable growth trajectory of women’s football in India. While the men’s victory in 1970 came during an era when Indian football was more competitive at the Asian level, the women’s achievement in 2025 signals a new dawn for women’s football in the country.
East Bengal’s Continental Football Tradition
East Bengal’s success in international competitions has been a defining feature of the club’s identity. Apart from domestic success, East Bengal club has been extremely successful among Indian football clubs in the international arena, having won four trophies on foreign soil including the famous ASEAN Club Championship in 2003.
The club has participated in various AFC competitions over the decades, including the Asian Club Championship, AFC Cup, and now the AFC Women’s Champions League. Each participation has added to the club’s rich tapestry of international football experience.
The Historical Context: East Bengal’s Pioneering Spirit
East Bengal’s history is replete with “firsts” in Indian football. East Bengal qualified for the 1985–86 Asian Club Championship after winning the 1985 Federation Cup. The Red and Gold brigade became the first Indian “club” to qualify for the Asian Club Championship.
This pioneering spirit, evident from the club’s founding in 1920, has driven East Bengal to consistently push boundaries and break new ground in Indian football. The dual achievement of defeating Iranian clubs in both men’s and women’s categories is the latest manifestation of this enduring legacy.
FAQs
When did East Bengal’s men’s team defeat an Iranian club in competitive football?
East Bengal’s men’s team defeated PAS Club of Iran 1-0 in the 1970 IFA Shield final at Eden Gardens in Kolkata, in front of 60,000 spectators. This was the first time an Indian club defeated an Iranian team in competitive football.
What was the scoreline of East Bengal Women’s victory over Bam Khatoon FC?
East Bengal Women defeated Bam Khatoon FC 3-1 in their AFC Women’s Champions League 2025-26 Group B opener on November 17, 2025. Goals came from Shilky Hemam (4′), Fazila Ikwaput (32′), and Resty Nanziri (87′), while Mona Hamoudi scored from the penalty spot for Bam Khatoon.
What makes East Bengal’s achievement historically significant?
East Bengal became the first Indian club to defeat Iranian clubs in competitive matches in both men’s and women’s categories. Additionally, the women’s team became the first Indian club to win a main-draw match at the AFC Women’s Champions League.
Who were the key performers in East Bengal Women’s historic victory?
Fazila Ikwaput was the standout performer, scoring one goal and creating numerous chances. Shilky Hemam opened the scoring in the 4th minute, while Resty Nanziri sealed the victory with a spectacular long-range effort in the 87th minute.
What is East Bengal’s next challenge in the AFC Women’s Champions League?
East Bengal Women face defending champions Wuhan Jiangda Women’s FC in their next Group B match. Despite the tough challenge, the confidence from defeating Iranian champions Bam Khatoon puts them in good stead for the tournament.
