East Bengal FC Exits AFC Women's Champions League After Loss to PFC Nasaf

East Bengal FC faced a tough end to their AFC Women's Champions League 2025-26 journey, losing 0-3 to PFC Nasaf in their final group match. Despite a promising start in the tournament, the team finished third in their group. The match saw Nasaf dominate, with key goals and missed opportunities for East Bengal. As they prepare for the upcoming SAFF Club Women's Championship in Nepal, the team will look to regroup and improve their performance.

By Narendra Chaudhary Nov 24, 2025, 02:22 IST

East Bengal FC's Journey in AFC Women's Champions League Ends

Wuhan [China], November 23: East Bengal FC's campaign in the AFC Women’s Champions League 2025-26 concluded on a disappointing note as they faced a 0-3 defeat against Uzbekistan's PFC Nasaf in their final Group B match on Sunday, according to the All India Football Federation (AIFF).

This victory propelled Nasaf to second place in the group with four points, securing their advancement to the quarter-finals alongside group leaders Wuhan Jiangda Women’s FC from China. East Bengal finished their inaugural tournament in third place with three points, while Bam Khatoon FC from Iran ended at the bottom, also with three points. In the rankings for the best third-placed teams, Korea's Suwon FC qualified from Group C with four points, while the Philippines' Stallion Laguna FC also had three points. Despite being level with East Bengal on goal difference, the Indian team was eliminated due to fewer goals scored.

Earlier in the tournament, East Bengal had managed a win against Bam Khatoon FC (3-1) but suffered a loss to Wuhan Jiangda Women’s FC (0-2).

From the start, Nasaf dominated the match, with Nilufar Kudratova making an early attempt in the fifth minute, but she hesitated, allowing Anoma Opoku to intervene.

In the 18th minute, Nasaf's captain was more assertive, making a similar run into the box and assisting Diyorakhon Khabibullaeva for a tap-in goal.

This goal relieved pressure on the Uzbek team, who began to play more fluidly, with only the crossbar denying attempts from Zarina Mamatkarimova and Gulzoda Amirova.

East Bengal struggled in the first half but finally registered a shot on target in the 39th minute, though Fazila Ikwaput's free-kick was comfortably saved by Nasaf's goalkeeper Maftuna Jonimqulova.

After halftime, Nasaf maintained control and extended their lead in the 52nd minute when Zarina Norboeva capitalized on a cross from Lyudmila Karachik.

East Bengal had a chance to score in the 61st minute when Amnah Nababi set up Soumya Guguloth, but her shot went directly at Jonimqulova.

In the 66th minute, the bar saved East Bengal again after a flicked attempt from Khabibullaeva, following another cross from Karachik.

Nasaf sealed their victory with a third goal deep into stoppage time, as Panthoi saved Karachik's initial shot but could not stop Khabibullaeva's follow-up.

Looking ahead, East Bengal will shift their focus to the inaugural SAFF Club Women’s Championship, set to take place from December 5 to 20 in Kathmandu, Nepal.