East Bengal FC Women’s, led by head coach Anthony Andrews, began their AFC Women’s Champions League preliminary round campaign with a narrow but crucial 1-0 victory over Phnom Penh Crown FC at the National Sports Complex in Phnom Penh on Monday evening.
The match was a tightly fought contest with few clear-cut chances in the opening stages. Both teams tested each other’s defenses but failed to find a breakthrough in the first half.
The deadlock was finally broken in the 70th minute, when debutant Fazila rose to the occasion. Showing composure and determination, she gave East Bengal FC a vital lead.
East Bengal FC almost doubled their advantage in the 88th minute, when Soumya delivered a dangerous cross from the right into the box. Unmarked Fazila connected with a header, but the effort sailed just over the bar.
Phnom Penh Crown FC pressed hard in search of an equaliser in stoppage time. In the 90+2nd minute, they earned a free-kick on the right flank. Chea Fariya swung the ball into the area, where Somrit Nimal attempted a close-range shot near from the goal line. To the relief of East Bengal FC, her strike flew high over the crossbar, keeping their net untouched.
The game’s defining moment of drama came in the 90+5th minute. Fazila once again broke through on goal, forcing Phnom Penh Crown FC goalkeeper Fariya to rush out of her box. In a desperate attempt to stop the attack, the keeper handled the ball outside the area and was shown a straight red card. East Bengal FC were awarded a free kick but failed to convert.
Moments later, the referee’s final whistle confirmed Moshal Girls 1-0 win, securing three vital points in their opening fixture of the tournament.
Some Indian fans were present at the National Sports Complex to cheer for East Bengal FC Women. Speaking about their support, coach Anthony Andrews said, “That was an extra motivation for us because there were people from our own country watching us.”The backing from the stands gave the players a sense of pride and further drive to secure the opening-day victory.
East Bengal FC Coaches view:
The coach acknowledged the game was tough, with the opponent playing well in the first half, causing their team to struggle with execution and create aimless chances. He praised the opponent’s first-half performance. In the second half, their team’s plan resulted in a lone goal. He expressed happiness with his players effort and awareness, even when a goal down, and noted the extra motivation from the Indian embassy’s support. He wished the opponents good luck for their next game.
Determination in every word: We are here for a reason, to win and move forward– Anthony!
“Obviously like I said, we are here not for participation. We are here for to win the group, to win the primary round and go for the group stages. So yeah, we are here for some reason and even in the next game we will put up as much as we can and whatever is in our control, we will fight and get the three points” said Anthony Andrews.
With this victory, East Bengal FC have made a confident start to their continental journey. Their next challenge will be against Kitchee SC of Hong Kong on 31st August.
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