Odisha FC Suffers Humiliating 0-17 Defeat in AFC Women’s Champions League Debut
Indian Women’s Football Suffers Humiliating Defeat in AFC Champions League Debut
Indian women’s football club Odisha FC endured a crushing 0-17 defeat in their AFC Women’s Champions League debut against Japan’s Urawa Reds Diamonds on Sunday. The Japanese side dominated the match from start to finish, showcasing their superior skill and experience.
Yu Endo opened the scoring for Urawa Reds within five minutes, setting the tone for a relentless onslaught. The Japanese side went on to score eight more goals in the first half, leaving Odisha FC reeling. The second half proved no respite, as Urawa Reds continued to pile on the pressure, ending the match with a staggering 55 shots compared to Odisha FC’s solitary attempt.
The defeat marks a disappointing start to Odisha FC’s AFC Champions League campaign. The Indian club will now face Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh City FC on Wednesday, hoping to salvage some pride.
Meanwhile, the Indian senior men’s football team will play a one-off friendly match against Vietnam on October 12. The match was originally scheduled as part of a tri-nation tournament, but Lebanon’s withdrawal forced a rescheduling. The match will be an official friendly, with points counting towards the FIFA Rankings.
India will assemble in Kolkata on October 5 and travel to Vietnam on October 7. Coach Manolo Marquez has announced a list of 26 probables, with the final squad of 23 players to be announced before the team’s departure.
After the Vietnam match, India will face Malaysia in a friendly during the FIFA Window on November 19. Malaysia is currently ranked 132nd in the FIFA rankings, while India is ranked 126th. The two teams last met in the Merdeka Cup semi-final in October 2023, with Malaysia emerging victorious 2-4.