Fazila Ikwaput’s early goal was overturned as Hawcheon KSPO WFC scored four to hand East Bengal Women a crushing defeat ahead of their final group-stage fixture.
Kolkata, November 4: East Bengal Women’s hopes of securing qualification took a major hit after a 1–4 defeat to South Korean side Hawcheon KSPO WFC in the AFC Women’s Champions League on Wednesday night, at the Kishore Bharati Krirangan. Despite Fazila Ikwaput giving the Moshal Girls an early lead, a shift in momentum saw the visitors take control of the contest and leave Anthony Andrews’ side with a difficult task heading into their final group-stage fixture.
The Moshal Girls, carrying their winning form against Hawcheon KSPO WFC, kicked off the first half. However, before taking the lead, the visitors’ quick gameplay and build-up often troubled them. Within four minutes, Hawcheon KSPO WFC earned a free-kick just outside the box on the left. Kim Yuri took the shot, which Choi Jewongmin attempted to meet with a header, but Panthoi was alert to make the save.
In the 15th minute, Fazila missed a golden opportunity to open the scoring, narrowly missing by inches. From the left, just after entering the box, she attempted a grounded effort past the advancing keeper, but the shot went out by just inches, crossing the post.
However, she created another chance within two minutes to make up for the missed opportunity, and did so. Capitalising on Hawcheon KSPO WFC’s attack, Astham Oraon sent a lofted ball towards Fazila on the left flank. Fazila latched onto it, entered the box and put the ball past the advancing keeper into the net to give East Bengal Women the lead.
However, a momentary lapse allowed the visitors to shift the momentum in their favour. In the 26th minute, during an attacking move, Panthoi initially dropped the ball before catching it again, which was deemed a handball, and Hawcheon KSPO WFC were awarded an indirect free-kick. Captain Lee Subin took the shot, which first hit the human wall before she put the rebound into the net.
The second half started with the same tempo that Hawcheon KSPO WFC had carried into the break, and they found their go-ahead goal early in the 52nd minute. With attacking players gathered inside the box, the ball touched Sarita Yumnam’s hand during the ongoing move. Although it apparently seemed unintentional, after checking the FVS (Football Video System), the officials awarded a penalty.
From the spot, Wie Jaaeun put Hawcheon KSPO WFC 2–1 ahead. Within four minutes, Mun Eunju made it 3–1. As they continued to dominate the momentum of the game, the Moshal Girls were left searching for their rhythm, struggling to settle into their fast and forward game.
And in the 76th minute, following another build-up, Hawcheon KSPO WFC added their fourth to the scoreboard. Kim Hyeona played a forward ball to Wie Jaaeun, who did not miss the chance to complete her brace and score her team’s final fourth goal.
Later, close to the final minutes of regulation time, Fazila missed a close opportunity to reduce the score gap after finding herself in a one-on-one position following a long ball.
Qualification hopes have now been left hanging by a thread for East Bengal Women. In Group A, Iranian side Bam Khatoon and Myanmar’s Ayeyawady are yet to open their points accounts after playing two matches each, with one fixture remaining between them. Both sides also have negative goal differences, keeping the possibility of qualification as one of the best third-placed teams open for the Moshal Girls. However, that route will require East Bengal Women to secure a victory against 4.25 SC in their final fixture on November 7 while also keeping their goal difference in mind. For Anthony Andrews’ side, there is little room for another slip-up, as it’s not over.
AFC Women’s Champions League – East Bengal FC vs Hawcheon KSPO WFC highlights
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