East Bengal FC kicked off their AFC Women’s Champions League 2025/26 campaign in spectacular fashion, defeating Iranian side Bam Khatoon FC 3-1 in their Group B opener on November 17, 2025. Goals from Shilky Hemam, Fazila Ikwaput, and a stunning long-range strike from Resty Nanziri secured three crucial points that boost their quarterfinal hopes.
AFC Champions League : Match Summary at a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Competition | AFC Women’s Champions League 2025/26 |
| Group | Group B |
| Result | East Bengal 3-1 Bam Khatoon |
| Goal Scorers | Shilky Hemam (4′), Fazila Ikwaput (32′), Resty Nanziri (87′) |
| Venue | Group Stage Opener |
| Next Opponent | Wuhan Jiangda Women’s FC (Defending Champions) |
Lightning Start Sets the Tone
East Bengal wasted no time asserting their dominance. Just four minutes into the match, Shilky Hemam capitalized on two blocked attempts by teammate Ikwaput, unleashing a low shot from outside the box that nestled perfectly into the bottom right corner. The early breakthrough rattled Bam Khatoon and allowed East Bengal to dictate the game’s tempo.
The Indian side’s control was evident as they restricted the Iranian team to speculative long-range efforts from Sara Didar and Fatemeh Geraeli, with goalkeeper Elangbam Panthoi Chanu rarely troubled during the opening exchanges.
Ikwaput Doubles the Advantage
The 32nd minute witnessed a moment of pure class. Amnah Nababi threaded a perfectly weighted through ball to Fazila Ikwaput, who demonstrated exceptional composure and control before slotting past Bam Khatoon goalkeeper Raha Yazdani. The well-executed build-up play showcased East Bengal’s tactical maturity on the continental stage.
Resty Nanziri nearly added a third just three minutes later when Soumya Guguloth set her up inside the six-yard box, but the Ugandan midfielder’s effort sailed over the crossbar.
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Bam Khatoon Fights Back Before the Break
The Iranian side showed resilience in first-half stoppage time when Jyoti Chouhan’s handball resulted in a penalty. Mona Hamoudi stepped up confidently to convert from the spot, reducing the deficit to 2-1 and keeping Bam Khatoon’s hopes alive heading into halftime.
Nanziri’s Spectacular Finish Seals Victory
The second half saw Bam Khatoon emerge with renewed determination. Fatemeh Pasandideh tested Panthoi with a long-range effort, while Geraeli’s free-kick attempt flew over the bar around the hour mark, signaling the Iranian team’s attacking intent.
East Bengal intensified their offensive efforts in the closing stages. Ikwaput rattled the right post in the 79th minute, and Yazdani produced a crucial low save five minutes later to deny the Ugandan forward.
Any comeback dreams were emphatically crushed in the 87th minute when Resty Nanziri unleashed an absolute screamer from distance. The ball curved magnificently over Yazdani and into the net, sealing a memorable 3-1 victory for the Red and Gold Brigade.
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Road Ahead: Defending Champions Await
This crucial opening victory positions East Bengal favorably in Group B as they prepare for their toughest test yet—a showdown against defending champions Wuhan Jiangda Women’s FC. The confidence gained from this performance will be vital as they navigate the challenging group stage.
