East Bengal Women marked their entry into the continental club arena with an emphatic statement, cruising to a 4–0 victory over Bhutan’s Transport United Ladies FC in their opening match of the inaugural SAFF Women’s Club Championship in Kathmandu.
Playing at the Dasharath Stadium, the Indian Women’s League champions showcased their superior organisation, physicality, and attacking depth to register a dominant start in a tournament that promises to be a landmark moment for women’s club football in South Asia.
From the opening whistle, East Bengal asserted control over proceedings. Their pressing structure forced Transport United into errors early, while quick ball circulation through midfield consistently opened space in wide areas. The breakthrough arrived in the 35th minute when Fazila Ikwaput rose highest to meet a teasing cross from Soumya Guguloth, powering home a header that underlined the threat East Bengal carried down the flanks throughout the match.
The goal settled any early nerves and allowed East Bengal to grow further in confidence. Sulanjana Raul doubled the advantage soon after, capitalising on sustained pressure inside the final third. Her composed finish reflected the experience within the East Bengal squad, many of whom had already navigated high-stakes domestic fixtures en route to their Indian Women’s League triumph earlier this season.
The second half belonged almost entirely to East Bengal, particularly their Ugandan recruits, whose influence was decisive. Fazila Ikwaput completed her brace with a well-taken finish after breaking through the defensive line, demonstrating not just aerial strength but also intelligent movement off the ball. Resty Nanziri added the fourth with a calm, precise effort, capping off a complete attacking performance that left Transport United with little room for recovery.
While the goals grabbed the headlines, East Bengal’s control in midfield was equally vital to the scoreline. Amina Nababi dictated tempo, breaking up opposition transitions and releasing attackers at the right moments. Her ability to shield the backline ensured that Transport United rarely threatened the East Bengal goal, allowing the Kolkata side to maintain a clean sheet without being stretched defensively.
Read Articles Without Ads On Your IndiaSportsHub App. Download Now And Stay Updated
This competition, being held from December 5 to 20, marks the first-ever SAFF Women’s Club Championship and represents a significant step forward for women’s football in the region. Played in a league format, the tournament will see each team face the others once, with the top two progressing to the grand final on December 20. The prize money—USD 10,000 for the winners and USD 5,000 for the runners-up adds further competitive incentive and underlines SAFF’s intent to elevate the standard of the women’s club game.
Five clubs from five nations are participating in this historic edition: APF FC of Nepal, East Bengal FC of India, Nasrin SA of Bangladesh, Transport United LFC of Bhutan, and Karachi City FC of Pakistan. Several clubs, including East Bengal, have invested in strengthening their squads with international signings, a trend that was evident in the opening match itself.
For East Bengal, this victory sends a clear message ahead of tougher fixtures. Their next challenge comes against Karachi City FC on December 11, a match that could prove pivotal in determining who finishes in the top two. With goal difference likely to play a role in the league standings, East Bengal’s four-goal margin gives them an early advantage.
Read Articles Without Ads On Your IndiaSportsHub App. Download Now And Stay Updated
Beyond results, East Bengal’s performance also highlights the growing interconnectedness of women’s football across regions. The strong showing by the Ugandan internationals reflects how South Asian clubs are increasingly becoming platforms for international players, raising both the tactical level and competitive intensity of domestic sides.
As the tournament unfolds in Kathmandu, East Bengal’s flying start has set an early benchmark.
If they continue to combine tactical discipline with attacking efficiency, the Indian champions will be serious contenders for the inaugural SAFF Women’s Club Championship title an achievement that would further cement their status as a leading force in women’s football in South Asia.
