By Sachit Subba • Football • Dec 19, 2025 13:56 PM • 40 views
The stage is set for a blockbuster finale to the SAFF Club Women’s Championship as India’s East Bengal FC prepares to lock horns with the host nation’s powerhouse, APF Football Club, this Saturday evening at the Dasharath Rangasala.
The championship decider, kicking off at 5:00 PM, promises to be a tactical battle between the tournament’s top two sides. East Bengal enters the final as the league leaders, having remained unbeaten with 10 points (three wins and a draw). The hosts, APF, secured their spot in the final as the second-seeded team with 8 points, coming off two wins and two draws.
East Bengal Eyes Clinical Edge
For East Bengal Head Coach Anthony Andrews, the primary focus leading up to Saturday has been converting dominance into goals. The two sides met just days ago in the final group stage match, a contest that ended in a stalemate after the Indian side failed to capitalize on numerous scoring opportunities.
Speaking at the pre-match conference on Friday, Andrews assured supporters that the team’s “finishing” issues have been addressed.
“We do not view APF as a weak team. While the result of the last group match didn’t impact the standings, I am confident the team will put up a different performance in the final,” Andrews stated. “We know our weaknesses. The team morale is high. We created many chances previously but couldn’t convert them; in the final, East Bengal will create chances and utilize them.”
East Bengal Captain Fazila Ikwaput dismissed concerns regarding the pressure of playing against a partisan home crowd.
“Playing as the visiting team naturally brings some pressure, but East Bengal is focused on the game rather than the number of supporters,” Ikwaput said. “We have a strong opponent, and this is an excellent tournament. We will give our 100 percent throughout the game.”
APF Seeks to Break the ‘Stadium Curse’
On the opposing bench, APF Head Coach Jibesh Kumar Pandey confirmed that his squad is physically and mentally prepared for the challenge. Pandey acknowledged that his team struggled on the frontline during the league phase but used the two-day break to sharpen their attack.
“There were problems in the team’s frontline during the league phase. We have trained specifically to fix this weakness,” Pandey noted. “Having already competed against East Bengal, we know what to expect.”
For APF Captain Anita Basnet, the match carries weight beyond just club glory. She touched on the venue's emotional history, where Nepali teams have often faltered at the final hurdle.
“We are representing the nation along with the club. Nepal has suffered defeats in many finals held at Dasharath Rangasala. Therefore, we are very excited to win this title,” Basnet said.
Basnet also highlighted the broader implications of the final for the players’ careers. “Many are watching the players here. If we perform well, it opens doors for opportunities with other clubs,” she added.
With both teams looking to correct past mistakes and claim regional supremacy, the final promises to be a thrilling conclusion to the championship.
