East Bengal Women eye History in SAFF Women's Club Championship Final

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East Bengal FC Women stand on the brink of history in the inaugural SAFF Women's Club Championship final against Nepal's APF FC at Kathmandu's Dashrath Stadium. The high-stakes clash promises edge-of-the-seat action after a tense goalless draw between the sides just two days ago in the round-robin finale.

East Bengal FC (EBFC) Women topped the round-robin standings with 10 points from four games (three wins, one draw), while APF FC secured second place on eight points (two wins, two draws). Both teams boast impeccable defenses, yet to concede a single goal in the tournament.

EBFC Women's Dominant Run to the Final

The Kolkata giants, nicknamed the 'Moshal Girls,' lit up the tournament with 13 goals in the group stage. They kicked off with a 4-0 thrashing of Bhutan's Transport United Ladies, followed by a solid 2-0 win over Pakistan's Karachi City FC.

Their standout performance came in a record 7-0 demolition of Bangladesh's Nasrin FA-the club's biggest margin in international football. The final group game against APF turned cagey, ending 0-0 despite a few clear chances.

Ugandan star Fazila Ikwaput, a two-time Indian Women's League Golden Boot winner, leads the scoring charts with seven goals, including a stunning five-goal haul against Nasrin FA. Young Indian forward Sulanjana Raul netted three, while playmaker Resty Nanziri added two.

APF FC's Rock-Solid Defense and Counter Threat

APF FC mirrors EBFC's defensive prowess, also unbeaten and unconceded. Goalkeeper Anjana Rana Magar anchors a disciplined backline, with the Nepali side excelling on quick counters. Many players share national team experience, making them a cohesive unit backed by home crowd energy at Dashrath Stadium.

East Bengal's Shot at Fifth International Title

A win would mark East Bengal's fifth international trophy, following triumphs in the Coca-Cola Cup (1985, Colombo), Wai Wai Cup (1993, Kathmandu), ASEAN Club Championship (2003, Jakarta), and San Miguel International Cup (2004, Kathmandu). It's their first chance in 21 years.

Coach and Captain Preview the Big Match

EBFC Women's Head Coach Anthony Andrews emphasized the challenge: "APF are a very strong team, playing together for Nepal's national side with crowd support. We've studied each other from the draw and aim to cut mistakes. Winning this after 21 years would be historic."

Captain Fazila Ikwaput added: "APF has home advantage, but we'll stick to our plans and bring the trophy to Kolkata."