What East Bengal Women’s SAFF Club Triumph Really Means: Dr (HC) Prachetan Potadar

When the final whistle echoed through Dasharath Stadium on December 19, 2025, something extraordinary unfolded—not just for East Bengal FC fans, but for Indian women’s football itself.

The “Moshal Girls” became the first Indian women’s club to win an international title, dismantling Nepal’s APF Club 3–0 in the final of the inaugural SAFF Women’s Club Championship. After years of quiet progress, East Bengal scripted history with a flawless campaign—14 goals scored, and zero conceded across five matches.

Yes, there was the trophy lift, the jubilant embraces, the social media frenzy. But this was bigger. A breakthrough. A beacon of resilience in a sport still carving its rightful space in India.

A Campaign That Meant More Than the Scoreline

This triumph was no fluke—it was a statement of dominance. East Bengal swept past Bhutan’s Transport United (3–0), Pakistan’s Karachi City (2–0), and other regional challengers without conceding a single goal.

In the final, Ugandan striker Fazila Ikwaput struck twice (21st and 46th minutes), while Shilky Devi

Hemam headed home the third from a pinpoint cross by Ashalata Devi Loitongbam. Fazila finished as the tournament’s top scorer with nine goals and deservedly claimed the Most Valuable Player honours.

This wasn’t merely winning—it was proof that Indian clubs can outthink, outfight, and outscore regional rivals on foreign soil.

Leadership: The Unseen Force

Credit must go to head coach Anthony Andrews, who built more than a tactical plan—he built belief. His compact 4-3-3 system pressed high, closed spaces ruthlessly, and transitioned with purpose. Players didn’t just follow instructions; they trusted the vision.

Shilky Devi Hemam embodied leadership through action—commanding the backline while contributing decisively in attack. In a squad blending Indian internationals with overseas talent, her calm authority was the glue that held everything together.

Playing Smart in South Asia’s Heat

East Bengal’s tactical intelligence stood out. Rather than chasing possession against stronger midfields, they stayed organised, recovered quickly, and punished opponents with speed and precision. Fazila’s half-volley opener in the final was a masterclass in exploiting space.

Support came from everywhere—Sulanjana Raul (three goals) and Resty Nanziri (two) added depth, ensuring this remained a collective effort, not a one-woman show.

In developing women’s football markets, this tournament reinforced a key truth: efficiency beats flair every time.

Beyond the Heroes on the Pitch

Depth defined this campaign. From Ashalata Devi’s creativity to relentless midfield work across rotations, every player felt essential. That culture—where systems matter more than stars—is still rare in Indian club football, and East Bengal showcased what becomes possible when it clicks.

Fueled by the Underdog Fire

Context matters. Indian women’s football continues to battle for airtime in a cricket-dominated nation. Budgets remain modest, academies uneven, and pay gaps stark. Yet East Bengal converted systemic limitations into focused hunger—not anger, but intent.

Gokulam Kerala FC paved the way with their strong showing in the 2021 AFC pilot, but this marks the first outright international club trophy for any Indian women’s side.

Numbers That Demand Attention

• East Bengal FC: 5 wins, 14–0 goal difference, 100% clean sheets

• Fazila Ikwaput: 9 goals (tournament record), two-time IWL top scorer

• Indian women’s football: IWL viewership up 138% in two years, with youth participation rising sharply

The potential is undeniable. SAFF exposure could evolve into sustained Asian Football Confederation pathways—but investment still lags behind ambition.

What Indian Football Can Learn

This triumph is more than a celebration; it’s a blueprint:

• Culture over cash

• Systems over stardom

• Adaptation over imitation

As defending champions of the Indian Women’s League 2025–26, East Bengal’s success will intensify rivalries, boost attendance, and attract sponsors. The ripple effects are already visible—projected 20–30% club budget growth by 2027, a deeper national talent pool, and stronger continental competitiveness.

Parity between women’s and men’s club ecosystems?Closer than ever.

A Victory That Echoes Far

This is not just a headline—it’s women from Kolkata rewriting narratives, goal by goal, within a system stacked against them. East Bengal’s “Moshal Girls” didn’t merely win a trophy; they ignited belief.

The future of Indian women’s football is brighter, bolder—and finally, impossible to ignore.

About the Author

Dr (HC) Prachetan Potadar is a leadership strategist and narrative thinker with over a decade of experience in brand building, innovation strategy, and creative direction. Known for mentoring emerging professionals and driving idea-led transformation, he is also a comic poet whose verses disarm, delight, and provoke thought. His work is rooted in storytelling that challenges systems and inspires meaningful change.