India’s East Bengal FC were crowned champions of the SAFF Women’s Club Championship after registering a commanding 3–0 victory over Nepal’s APF FC in the final at the Dasharath Stadium, Tripureshwor.
Led by captain Fazila Ikwaput, East Bengal delivered a composed and clinical performance to lift the title. Fazila scored twice, while Shilky Devi Hnam added another to seal a dominant win in the championship decider.
East Bengal broke the deadlock in the 22nd minute following a defensive lapse from APF. A lack of coordination between goalkeeper Anjana Rana Magar and defender Gita Rana allowed Fazila to capitalise, with her effort from inside the penalty area finding its way into the net.
The Indian side doubled their advantage in the 35th minute through Shilky Devi. Sarita Yumnam’s corner was met by Asha Lata, whose headed assist was finished by Shilky with a precise header to extend East Bengal’s lead.
APF struggled to build sustained attacking momentum in the first half and found opportunities hard to come by. Their closest chance came in injury time when Mina Deuwa’s header, following a cross from Anita Basnet, narrowly missed the target.
East Bengal struck again early in the second half, with Fazila scoring her second of the match. Although goalkeeper Anjana got a touch to the shot, she was unable to gather the ball cleanly, allowing it to cross the line.
APF pushed forward in search of a response in the latter stages of the match but were unable to break through East Bengal’s disciplined defence. Despite remaining unbeaten and not conceding a single goal in the group stage, APF were unable to replicate that defensive solidity in the final.
East Bengal, who went on to lift the title without losing a match in the tournament, capped off an impressive campaign by claiming the SAFF Women’s Club Championship trophy.
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