East Bengal Women Defeat Phnom Penh Crown in AFC Women’s Champions League 2025-26

Image Credit: East Bengal Media

The battle at the National Sports Complex was a closely fought contest between Cambodia's and the Indian Women's League title holders. East Bengal, with the astute leadership of head coach Anthony Andrews, showed their preparation and quality on Asia's largest women's club football platform.

The breakthrough was thanks to Fazila Ikwaput, East Bengal's Ugandan forward and two-time IWL Golden Boot winner, who scored to make the visitors' breakthrough lead. A good right flank cross opened up the Phnom Penh Crown defense, and Ikwaput stretched forward to slot the ball home with clinical accuracy.

The initial 45 minutes witnessed both sides playing wary setups, with East Bengal seeking to impose their rhythm on foreign soil. The Red & Golds played tacit build-ups, employing their technical dominance while keeping an eye on respect for the Cambodian champions' home ground.

Phnom Penh Crown, true to their status as one of Cambodia's most successful clubs with eight league titles, showed defensive organization and looked to exploit counter-attacking opportunities. However, East Bengal's midfield, marshaled by experienced players, maintained control of proceedings.

The first half concluded goalless, setting up an intriguing second period where East Bengal's quality would eventually shine through.

East Bengal stepped out of the breather period more purposeful and determined in their approach. The Indian champions charged ahead with greater determination, opening up various promising possibilities in the initial moments of the second half.

The breakthrough came when a beautifully weighted cross from the right flank opened up the Phnom Penh Crown defense. Fazila Ikwaput, with the predatory drive that saw her become the IWL's most prolific scorer for two straight seasons, placed herself perfectly to nudge the ball into the net, leaving the East Bengal group in ecstasy.

Pursuant to Ikwaput's objective, East Bengal showed the defensive solidity which had been a hallmark of their double-winning season back home. Elangbam Panthoi Chanu, AIFF Women's Goalkeeper of the Year, was solid behind the goal, and the defence, which included internationals Ngangbam Sweety Devi and Loitongbam Ashalata Devi, saw it through.

Phnom Penh Crown's late flurry, a potentially perilous free-kick which almost caught the East Bengal defense by surprise, was repelled expertly. The home team's striker was given a golden chance but blew it, further illustrating East Bengal's fortune as well as their just deserts.

Coach Anthony Andrews showed his tactical sense by bringing on Soumya Guguloth in the place of Sulanjana Raul as East Bengal sought to hold on to their lead and bring fresh legs to their attacking game. The change was successful in helping the team hold on to their rhythm and possession.

The match ended with East Bengal clutching their valuable lead during four minutes of stoppage time, as they made history for Indian women's football. The win not only saw them bag three valuable points for Group E but also marked East Bengal's coming of age on the continental scene.