Late Arrival, Early Warning: East Bengal FC Announces Title Intent with 4-0 Drubbing of Transport United
East Bengal FC missed the pre-tournament press conference because of a delayed flight. However, the Indian champions quickly made their presence known where it matters most—on the pitch. East Bengal FC opened their SAFF Women’s Club Championship campaign in style, overpowering Bhutan’s Transport United 4-0. The comprehensive win made a bold statement to the competition: East Bengal is a strong contender from the outset. Head Coach Anthony Samson Andrews, who was unable to outline his aspirations last Thursday due to the travel snag, let his team’s performance serve as the preamble before making a definitive statement post-match. "We are here for something special," Andrews declared to the press after the final whistle. "We are here to create history." **The Effect** East Bengal’s commanding start was led by Ugandan forward Fazila Ikwaput, their marquee signing. After a Golden Boot-winning season in the Indian Women’s League (IWL) with Gokulam Kerala, Ikwaput quickly justified her acquisition. Ikwaput dominated, scoring in the 35th and 72nd minutes, and set up Sulanjana Raul and Resty Nanziri for two more. Though she missed chances for a hat trick, her direct involvement in all four goals underlined her impact.  **A Legacy Renewed** East Bengal has a rich history since its establishment in 1920. The club is renowned for a century-old legacy in men’s football, and now it is making a serious statement in the women's game. "We won our first title last season [2024-25], and that’s why we are here," Andrews noted. He emphasized the club's commitment. "The club’s legacy is an extra motivation. We are serious about empowering these girls." Transport United threatened early but failed to convert, while East Bengal quickly responded and took control, their efficient finishing sealing the comfortable victory. **The Title Race Heats Up** The victory places East Bengal firmly among the tournament favorites. They now sit level with Nepal’s Armed Police Force (APF) Club, the hosts, having identical records: a win and a +4 goal difference. APF had previously dispatched Bangladesh’s Nasrin Sports Academy 4-0 on opening day. The looming rivalry was obvious in the stands. APF Head Coach Jibesh Pandey was spotted scouting the match. He clearly identifies East Bengal as the main obstacle between his side and the trophy.  **Stalemate for Nasrin and Karachi** In Monday’s other fixture, goals were harder to come by. Bangladesh’s Nasrin Sports Academy played out a goalless draw against Pakistan’s Karachi City FC. The result puts the Bangladeshi champions in a tough spot, with just one point from two matches. When asked about his team's chances of finishing in the top two to reach the December 18 final, Nasrin Head Coach Md Monir Hossain was candid. "It is a difficult question," Hossain admitted. Still, he added, "We want to, though." He said the six-day break before the next match would be used to regroup and analyze opponents. Meanwhile, Karachi City’s Head Coach Adeel Mirza Rizki also manages the Pakistan national team. He is taking a pragmatic approach after securing two draws in two games. "Nasrin was better with the ball today... We want to end the tournament on a high note and will focus on the upcoming games," Rizki said. Off the pitch, teams have voiced concerns about logistical challenges. Coach Hossain cited difficulty with training arrangements, specifically mentioning that the commute from their accommodation at the Royal Tulip in Gwarko to the assigned training ground at the Nepali Army headquarters in Bhadrakali takes about an hour each way. "It is hectic," Hossain said, explaining that the lengthy daily commute to training is taxing for the players. However, he acknowledged that this issue affects all teams staying at the Royal Tulip and suggested that while teams would appreciate organizers' help in improving logistics, it is not currently a unique disadvantage. **Looking ahead, the competition pauses briefly before action resumes.** The championship now takes a two-day break. It returns on December 11. East Bengal will look to build momentum against Karachi City, while APF will aim to keep their perfect start against Transport United.
