East Bengal FC women’s team has scripted a golden chapter in Indian football history by clinching the inaugural SAFF Women’s Club Championship title with an emphatic 3-0 victory over Nepal’s APF FC. The triumph at Kathmandu’s packed Dasharath Stadium marks a watershed moment for women’s football in India and showcases the rising prowess of Indian club football on the international stage.
Table of Contents
East Bengal Championship Overview
| Tournament | SAFF Women’s Club Championship 2025 |
|---|---|
| Host City | Kathmandu, Nepal |
| Venue | Dasharath Stadium |
| Champions | East Bengal FC |
| Final Score | East Bengal 3-0 APF FC |
| Tournament Record | 4 Wins, 1 Draw, 0 Losses |
| Goals Scored/Conceded | 16-0 |
| Prize Money | $10,000 (₹9 lakh approx) |
The Final Showdown: A Masterclass Performance
The championship final witnessed East Bengal’s tactical brilliance and attacking prowess in full display. After a tense goalless draw against the same opponents just two days earlier, the Kolkata giants came out with renewed determination to secure the historic trophy.
Goal-by-Goal Breakdown
22nd Minute – Fazila Ikwaput Opens the Floodgates: The Ugandan sensation broke the deadlock with her characteristic finishing, giving East Bengal the crucial breakthrough against the home favorites.
35th Minute – Shilky Devi Doubles the Lead: Just before halftime, midfielder Shilky Devi netted her first goal of the tournament, providing East Bengal with a comfortable 2-0 cushion heading into the break.
46th Minute – Ikwaput Seals the Deal: The star striker struck again immediately after halftime, effectively putting the match beyond APF FC’s reach and silencing the partisan Nepali crowd.
Fazila Ikwaput: The Tournament’s Undisputed Star
Ugandan forward Fazila Ikwaput emerged as the tournament’s most devastating player, earning both the Golden Boot and Golden Ball awards. Her extraordinary statistics tell the story of complete dominance:
- 9 Goals in 5 matches (including a stunning 5-goal haul against Bangladesh’s Nasrin FA)
- 3 Assists to complement her scoring prowess
- $2,000 in individual prize money
- Golden Boot Winner (highest scorer)
- Golden Ball Winner (best player)
Captain Ikwaput’s movement, positioning, and clinical finishing terrorized opposition defenses throughout the competition, establishing her as one of South Asia’s premier strikers.
East Bengal’s Flawless Campaign
The Red and Gold brigade’s journey to the title was nothing short of spectacular, maintaining an impeccable defensive record while showcasing attacking firepower.
Group Stage Dominance
Match 1: East Bengal 4-0 Transport United (Bhutan) – A confident opening statement against the Bhutanese representatives.
Match 2: East Bengal 2-0 Karachi City FC (Pakistan) – Defeating the Pakistani champions with tactical discipline.
Match 3: East Bengal 7-0 Nasrin FA (Bangladesh) – The tournament’s most lopsided victory, featuring Ikwaput’s five-goal masterpiece.
Match 4: East Bengal 0-0 APF FC (Nepal) – The only blemish, where APF’s goalkeeper Anjana Rana Magar produced a stunning performance to deny the Indian champions.
Final: East Bengal 3-0 APF FC (Nepal) – The redemption victory that secured the historic title.
Defensive Excellence
Perhaps East Bengal’s most remarkable achievement was their perfect defensive record – five matches played without conceding a single goal. This iron-clad defense, marshaled expertly by coach Anthony Andrews, proved that championship teams are built from the back.
Historical Significance for East Bengal
This championship represents East Bengal’s fifth international trophy and their first in 21 years. The club’s previous international successes include:
- Coca-Cola Cup (1985, Colombo)
- Wai Wai Cup (1993, Kathmandu)
- ASEAN Club Championship (2003, Jakarta)
- San Miguel International Cup (2004, Kathmandu)
- SAFF Women’s Club Championship (2024, Kathmandu)
The victory is particularly sweet for East Bengal’s faithful, who have waited over two decades to see their beloved club lift an international trophy. According to the South Asian Football Federation, this inaugural club championship marks a new era for women’s football development in the region.
Coach Anthony Andrews: The Mastermind
Head coach Anthony Andrews deserves immense credit for East Bengal’s tactical preparation and execution. His strategic approach emphasized high pressing, possession-based football, and defensive solidity – a combination that proved unbeatable throughout the tournament.
Speaking before the final, Andrews acknowledged the challenge: “APF are a very strong team, playing together for Nepal’s national side with crowd support. We’ve studied each other from the draw and aim to cut mistakes.”
His game plan worked to perfection, as East Bengal controlled possession and dictated the tempo against the home favorites.
What’s Next for the Champions?
The celebrations will be brief for East Bengal’s women’s team. They’re scheduled to land at Kolkata airport on Sunday evening, where a massive crowd is expected to welcome the champions home.
However, there’s little time for rest. The defending Indian Women’s League champions begin their IWL campaign against Sethu FC in Kalyani on December 24. The momentum from this international triumph will be crucial as they aim to defend their domestic title.
Impact on Indian Women’s Football
This victory represents more than just a trophy for East Bengal – it’s a statement about the growing competitiveness of Indian women’s club football. By dominating teams from Pakistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Nepal, East Bengal has demonstrated that Indian clubs can compete at the highest level in South Asia.
The tournament also provided valuable international experience for Indian players, many of whom represent the national team. Such exposure is crucial for the continued development of women’s football in India, which has seen significant growth in recent years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the Golden Boot at the SAFF Women’s Club Championship 2025?
Fazila Ikwaput of East Bengal FC won the Golden Boot with 9 goals in 5 matches, including a remarkable 5-goal performance against Bangladesh’s Nasrin FA. The Ugandan striker also won the Golden Ball award as the tournament’s best player and received $2,000 in prize money for her outstanding performances.
What is East Bengal’s record in the inaugural SAFF Women’s Club Championship?
East Bengal completed an undefeated campaign with 4 wins and 1 draw across 5 matches. They scored 16 goals without conceding any, maintaining five consecutive clean sheets. They defeated teams from Bhutan (4-0), Pakistan (2-0), Bangladesh (7-0), and Nepal (3-0 in final), with their only draw coming against APF FC (0-0) in the group stage.
