Kathmandu : India’s East Bengal FC have clinched the title of the inaugural SAFF Women’s Club Championship, defeating Nepal’s APF Club 3–0 in the final played on Saturday evening.
At the match held at Dasharath Stadium, Tripureshwor, East Bengal sealed a historic triumph with a brace from Fazila Ikwaput and a goal from Shilky Devi Hemam. The Indian champions scored twice in the first half and added another early in the second half to secure a comfortable victory.
Fazila opened the scoring in the 22nd minute, giving the visitors an early lead. Shilky Devi Hemam doubled East Bengal’s advantage in the 35th minute, leaving APF trailing 2–0 at halftime. Shortly after the restart, Fazila struck again to complete her brace and effectively put the match beyond APF’s reach.
Despite efforts from both sides in the remaining minutes, no further goals were scored, and East Bengal emerged winners with a convincing 3–0 result.
With the victory, East Bengal FC received a prize of USD 10,000, while runners-up APF Club earned USD 5,000.
The tournament, which began on Mangsir 19, featured five teams: APF Football Club (Nepal), East Bengal FC (India), Nasrin Sports Academy (Bangladesh), Transport United Ladies FC (Bhutan), and Karachi City FC (Pakistan).
