Kolkata, November 17: East Bengal Women opened their AFC Women’s Champions League campaign with a composed and convincing 3–1 victory over Iran’s Bam Khatoon FC, a performance built on sharp attacking intent and well-timed moments of brilliance across the ninety minutes.

From the very beginning, Moshal girls showed hunger in the final third, and it took only four minutes for that urgency to turn into the opening goal. A forceful attack inside the Bam Khatoon box resulted in a shot that the goalkeeper managed to block, but the defence failed to react quickly. A half-clearance fell straight into the path of Shilkey Devi, who wasted no time in placing a grounded strike into the net, giving the Moshal girls a bright start.

The early lead didn’t slow East Bengal down. In the 14th minute, Soumya Guguloth tried her luck from distance, and her long effort missed the mark by inches, brushing the side net.

Bam Khatoon’s first real opening arrived in the 22nd minute. A low cross from the right slipped into the six-yard box, where Sara Didar was positioned perfectly and stayed onside. Before she could apply the finishing touch, Panthoi Chanu stepped in with decisive handling, cutting off what could have been a crucial equaliser.

East Bengal regained their rhythm and extended their lead in the 32nd minute. Amnah Nababi played a well-measured long ball into the penalty area, Fazila controlled the moment, chipping the ball into the net making it 2–0 for the Moshal girls.

Just when the first half seemed to be closed, drama unfolded deep into added time. Debutant Jyoti Chouhan’s attempt to block a move resulted in a handball inside the box, handing Bam Khatoon a penalty at a crucial stage. Mona Hamoudi converted from the spot, reducing the margin to 2–1 before the break and giving the Iranian side hope to comeback.

The second half kicked off with East Bengal immediately resuming their attacking flow. Within moments, Fazila carved her way inside from the left and unleashed a strike that had the keeper beaten, however Bam Khatoon defender clear it off the goal line.

As the minutes ticked on, East Bengal continued controlling the pace while looking for the goal that would settle the match. Their dominance paid off in the 87th minute when Resty Nanziri stepped up with a brilliant long-range attempt. Her strike flew cleanly into the net, effectively ending Bam Khatoon’s hopes of a comeback.

Resty’s overall involvement, her constant shots, threatening presence, and the final goal, earned her the Best Player of the Match award, highlighting a performance full of energy and influence.

With a confident 3–1 victory to start their continental journey, East Bengal now shift focus to their next challenge on 20 November, where they face Chinese side Wuhan Jiangda considered one of the toughest opponents in the group. A strong test awaits, but with momentum on their side, Moshal girls enter the clash with belief and purpose.