East Bengal’s Valiant Effort Falls Short Against Wuhan Jiangda
In a gripping AFC Women’s Champions League clash, East Bengal FC fought hard but succumbed to a 3-1 defeat against defending champions Wuhan Jiangda. Despite the loss, the Indian debutants earned praise for their spirited performance in Wuhan.
Wuhan’s Early Dominance Secures Lead
Wuhan Jiangda, the reigning champions, showcased their pedigree with relentless pressure from kickoff. Star forward Wang Shuang broke the deadlock in the 18th minute with a composed finish. East Bengal’s defense, led by captain Ashalata Devi, struggled against Wuhan’s attacking trio—Wang Shuang, Barbara Bonansea, and Tabitha Chawinga. Chawinga doubled the lead just before halftime, capitalizing on a defensive error.
East Bengal’s Second-Half Spark
Trailing 2-0, East Bengal regrouped under coach Paromita Sit, shifting Dangmei Grace into a more advanced role. The tactical tweak paid off in the 57th minute when Grace scored India’s first-ever goal in the competition, cutting the deficit to 2-1.
Midfielder Indumathi Kathiresan controlled the tempo, briefly raising hopes of a comeback. However, Wang Shuang’s stunning 78th-minute free-kick sealed the win for Wuhan.
Key Takeaways for East Bengal
- Historic Goal: Dangmei Grace’s strike marked a milestone for Indian women’s football.
- Room for Growth: Defensive lapses and fitness gaps were evident but fixable.
- Coach’s Optimism: Paromita Sit praised the team’s resilience and vowed improvements.
Wuhan’s Statement Win
The victory reinforced Wuhan’s status as title contenders. Wang Shuang, named Player of the Match, acknowledged East Bengal’s fight: “They challenged us—credit to their effort.”
Up Next: Urawa Red Diamonds
East Bengal faces Japan’s Urawa Red Diamonds next. Tightening defense and sharper attacking play will be crucial for their campaign.
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