BS News Agency Wuhan, 20 November 2025: Facing the AFC Women's Champions League defending champions at their home, East Bengal FC suffered a 0-2 defeat to hosts Wuhan Jiangda FC at the Hankou Culture & Sports Centre earlier today. The result leaves the Kolkata-based club with work to do in their final group fixture. With Bam Khatoon FC (Iran) beating PFC Nasaf (Uzbekistan) 1-0 in the other fixture of the day, EBFC Women would need a draw or a win in order to advance to the quarter-finals.
Wuhan Jiangda, the five-time Chinese Super League champions, struck twice in the opening 15 minutes. Wang Shuang scored for the hosts on both occasions - first with a clinical finish from a Song Fei cross in the 8th minute, followed by a penalty conversion in the 17th minute.
EBFC goalkeeper Panthoi Chanu produced a string of fine saves and was aided by the other defenders to thwart several Wuhan probes in the second half, as the Red & Gold's pushed hard to reduce the deficit.
The first half ended with Wuhan leading 2-0, but the Indian Women's League champions displayed a more resolute performance in the second half, creating a few chances through set-pieces and quick counters.
The loss drops East Bengal Women to the second spot in Group B with 3 points, behind Wuhan Jiangda (4 points).
*Speaking to the local media after the game, EBFC Women's Head Coach Anthony Andrews said*, "We could have done much better as a unit. However, we also understand that we played against the defending champions, who experienced at this level. This is a learning curve for us and we'll try to rectify the mistakes in the next game."
EBFC Women will next face PFC Nasaf in their final Group B fixture at the same venue on 23 November, Sunday.