Wuhan (China), Nov 17 (NationPress) East Bengal FC triumphed over Bam Khatoon FC with a score of 3-1 in their inaugural match of the AFC Women’s Champions League 2025-26 Group B on Monday. The Red and Golds wasted no time, seizing the lead just four minutes in after two blocked shots from Fazila Ikwaput resulted in the ball finding its way to Shilky Hemam, who unleashed a low shot into the bottom right corner from just outside the box.

This early goal set the pace for the rest of the half, with the Indian squad controlling the game and limiting the Iranian side, Bam Khatoon, to long-range efforts, as Sara Didar and Fatemeh Geraeli both attempted to score.

East Bengal extended their lead in the 32nd minute thanks to a well-executed build-up play, where Amnah Nababi delivered a perfectly timed through ball to Ikwaput, who displayed excellent ball control before slotting it past Raha Yazdani.

Bam Khatoon nearly fell behind once again three minutes later when Soumya Guguloth set up Resty Nanziri inside the six-yard box, but the Ugandan midfielder missed the target.

The Iranian team hardly tested Elangbam Panthoi Chanu at the other end, with Geraeli's 39th-minute shot from distance proving to be a weak effort.

Bam Khatoon did manage to score just before halftime when a handball by Jyoti Chouhan led to Mona Hamoudi converting from the penalty spot during stoppage time.

After the break, Bam Khatoon displayed renewed vigor, with Fatemeh Pasandideh testing Panthoi from outside the box, and Geraeli's free-kick attempt sailing over the bar at the hour mark.

East Bengal increased their intensity in the final minutes, with Ikwaput hitting the post in the 79th minute and Yazdani executing a low save against Ikwaput’s effort in the 84th minute.

Any hopes for a Bam Khatoon comeback were dashed three minutes later when Nanziri unleashed a spectacular shot from distance, which arched over Yazdani and found the back of the net, sealing the victory for East Bengal.