AFC Women's Champions League: East Bengal fall to Wuhan Jiangda- Highlights
East Bengal look to secure a historic quarter-final spot as they face titleholders Wuhan Jiangda FC in a key AWCL 2025-26 Group B encounter.
East Bengal FC Women Eye Knockout Berth in Crucial AWCL Clash Against Defending Champions Wuhan Jiangda (Photo credit: East Bengal)
East Bengal FC Women return to action on Thursday with their quarter-final aspirations within touching distance as they prepare to take on reigning champions Wuhan Jiangda FC in the AFC Women’s Champions League 2025-26.
The Kolkata side opened their maiden campaign with a landmark 3–1 win over Iran’s Bam Khatoon FC, becoming the first Indian club to claim a group-stage victory in the competition.
With three points already secured, EBFC need just one more from their remaining two fixtures to seal a place in the knockout stage.
Their opponents, Wuhan Jiangda, were restricted to a 1–1 draw by Uzbekistan’s PFC Nasaf in their opener, adding further weight to this high-stakes Group B matchup at the Hankou Cultural and Sports Centre.
Highlights:
Wuhan Jiangda secure all three points with a strong first-half performance, powered by Wang Shuang’s early brace. East Bengal settled well after the shaky opening spell, tightened defensively, and pushed forward with more intent in the second half, but couldn’t find the breakthrough they needed. A resilient finish from the Red & Gold, but the damage was done inside the first 15 minutes.
Full-Time Score: Wuhan Jiangda 2–0 East Bengal
A huge moment for EB as the defence comes to the rescue. Wuhan create their clearest second-half chance, beating Panthoi with a low effort, but an alert East Bengal defender clears it off the line to keep their hopes alive.
Score: Wuhan Jiangda 2–0 East Bengal
East Bengal continue to attack with more numbers, trying to break Wuhan’s defensive line, but the overall pace of the match has noticeably slowed. Both teams are taking fewer risks, and the play has shifted into a more controlled, patient rhythm.
Score: Wuhan Jiangda 2–0 East Bengal
We’re back underway in Wuhan as East Bengal look to mount a comeback after a steadier end to the first half. Wuhan resume with their two-goal advantage, while EB aim to bring more intent and precision in the final third.
Score: Wuhan Jiangda 2–0 East Bengal
Wuhan Jiangda takes a two-goal lead into the break after an explosive start, with Wang Shuang (7) scoring twice, first from open play and then from the penalty spot. East Bengal took time to settle but improved significantly in the final 20 minutes, tightening their marking and creating more circle entries as they grew into the contest.
A big second half awaits as EB chases a way back into this crucial Group B clash.
Score at Half-Time: Wuhan Jiangda 2–0 East Bengal
EB are seeing far more circle entries now as their confidence grows. Defensively, they’ve switched to tighter man-to-man marking, closing down spaces quickly and denying Wuhan the gaps they exploited earlier. A much more composed and disciplined phase from the visitors.
Score: Wuhan Jiangda 2–0 East Bengal
EB have finally begun to find some rhythm, pushing higher up the pitch and stitching together more composed attacks. Their improved spell earns them their first corner of the match, a sign that the Red & Gold are starting to settle after a shaky opening phase.
Score: Wuhan Jiangda 2–0 East Bengal
East Bengal find themselves two goals down inside 15 minutes, and the nerves are clearly showing. The passes are rushed, the touches a bit heavy, and the defensive shape hasn’t settled yet against Wuhan’s quick combinations. They’ll need to calm the tempo, regain composure, and get some control in midfield to pull themselves back into this contest.
Score: Wuhan Jiangda 2–0 East Bengal
Wuhan earn a penalty after Elangbam Panthoi brings down her marker inside the box. Wang Shuang steps up with confidence and sends the keeper the wrong way to slot in her second of the afternoon.
Score: Wuhan Jiangda 2–0 East Bengal
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