A second-half strike from Ugandan forward Fazila Ikwaput sealed a 1-0 win for East Bengal FC over Phnom Penh Crown FC in their opening AFC Women’s Champions League 2025-26 Preliminary Stage Group E clash at the National Sports Complex in Phnom Penh in Cambodia on Monday.
With the victory, the Red and Gold Brigade moved a step closer to the group stage. They will face Hong Kong’s Kitchee SC on August 31, where another win will guarantee their qualification.
East Bengal saw an early chance ruled out in the 42nd minute when Fazila’s strike was flagged offside, keeping the contest goalless at halftime. The visitors pressed hard after the restart, with keeper Chea Fariya denying both Fazila and Sulanjana Raul in quick succession.
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 70th minute when Resty Nanziri delivered a precise cross for Fazila, who calmly slotted home from close range.
Phnom Penh Crown struggled to find a way back into the contest, and their evening ended on a sour note when Chea was shown a straight red card for a late challenge on Fazila in stoppage time.
