The SAFF Women’s Club Championship 2025 marked a historic moment for South Asian football as the tournament was organised for the first time. East Bengal FC Women rose to the occasion and etched their name in history by winning the inaugural title in Kathmandu, Nepal.
In this 96APK blog, we explain all the important details surrounding East Bengal’s historic SAFF Women’s Club Championship victory.
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A Historic Achievement for East Bengal
East Bengal became the first and only football club from India to win an international tournament in both men’s and women’s football. In January 2005, East Bengal’s men’s team lifted the San Miguel International Cup in Kathmandu. Almost 21 years later, the women’s team followed the same path by winning an international trophy on foreign soil.
At a time when Indian men’s club football struggles for consistency, East Bengal’s women carried the legacy forward and kept the red-and-yellow flag flying at the international level.
Dominant Final Against Nepal APF Club
The final took place at the Dasharath Rangasala Stadium, Kathmandu, where East Bengal faced Nepal Armed Police Force Women’s Football Club. From the opening minutes, East Bengal controlled the tempo and pressed aggressively.
The breakthrough came in the 22nd minute when Fazila Ekwaput fired a powerful shot from inside the box to give East Bengal the lead. The momentum continued, and in the 35th minute, Shilki Devi Hemam doubled the advantage with a perfectly timed header. East Bengal went into halftime with a 2-0 lead.
East Bengal struck immediately after the restart. Just one minute into the second half, Fazila scored her second goal as the Nepalese goalkeeper failed to stop her effort. The scoreline moved to 3-0, effectively sealing the contest.
Although East Bengal created several more chances, they could not extend the lead further. Nepal APF attempted to respond but failed to break through a disciplined and organised East Bengal defence.
Champions Without Conceding a Goal
East Bengal completed the tournament with a remarkable defensive record, winning the title without conceding a single goal. This achievement stands out as a rare feat in international women’s club competitions.
During the tournament, East Bengal won three matches and drew one in the league stage before delivering a commanding performance in the final. Their defensive solidity mirrored past achievements by East Bengal’s men’s team in domestic competitions, but this time the women accomplished it on the international stage.
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Fazila Ekwaput Shines Brightest
Fazila Ekwaput emerged as the star of the tournament. She scored two goals in the final and finished the competition with 9 goals, earning the Golden Boot as the top scorer. Her performances played a decisive role throughout East Bengal’s title-winning campaign.
Goalkeeper Panthoi Chanu also delivered an outstanding display, remaining unbeaten throughout the tournament and denying Nepal APF any scoring opportunities in the final.
East Bengal Set a Benchmark in Indian Football
By winning the first-ever SAFF Women’s Club Championship, East Bengal not only claimed silverware but also set a benchmark for Indian women’s football. The victory reinforced the club’s historic stature and demonstrated the growing strength of women’s football in India.
Once again, East Bengal’s women ensured that the nation shone on foreign soil, completing a historic chapter in South Asian football with authority and pride.
FAQs
1. What is the SAFF Women’s Club Championship 2025?
The SAFF Women’s Club Championship 2025 is the first edition of a South Asian club football tournament for women, featuring top clubs from the region.
2. Who won the SAFF Women’s Club Championship 2025?
East Bengal FC Women won the inaugural SAFF Women’s Club Championship by defeating Nepal APF Women’s Football Club 3-0 in the final.
3. Where was the SAFF Women’s Club Championship 2025 final played?
The final was played at the Dasharath Rangasala Stadium in Kathmandu, Nepal.
4. How did East Bengal perform in the final?
East Bengal dominated the final and won 3–0. Fazila Ekwaput scored twice, while Shilki Devi Hemam added the third goal.
5. Did East Bengal concede any goals in the tournament?
No, East Bengal completed the entire tournament without conceding a single goal, an exceptional achievement at the international level.
6. Who was the top scorer of the tournament?
Fazila Ekwaput finished as the top scorer with 9 goals and won the Golden Boot.
