Odisha FC’s Early Exit in AFC Women’s Champions League
Odisha FC’s journey in the AFC Women’s Champions League ended after they suffered a second consecutive defeat. On Wednesday, they lost 1-3 to Ho Chi Minh City FC in Vietnam, crashing out of the tournament. The Kalinga Warriors struggled to keep up with the pace and intensity of their opponents and were on the back foot from the first minute.
A Tough Start Against Ho Chi Minh City FC
Right from the start, Ho Chi Minh City FC took control of the game. The hosts made a strong statement by scoring in the first minute. Nguyen Thi Kim Yen capitalized on a corner, giving the home team an immediate advantage. This early blow rattled Odisha FC, and they struggled to regain their composure.
Throughout the first half, Ho Chi Minh City continued to press hard, creating multiple scoring opportunities. In the 42nd minute, their efforts paid off once again. Huynh Nhu delivered a dangerous cross into the box, which Odisha failed to clear. This mistake allowed the Vietnamese side to double their lead, making it 2-0 just before the halftime whistle.
Odisha FC’s Second-Half Comeback Attempt
After the break, Odisha FC regrouped and began to show signs of improvement. They created more chances on the counterattack, trying to get back into the game. Their persistence finally paid off in the 63rd minute. Malati Munda initiated a fast break, sending a precise pass to Jennifer Yeboah, who smashed the ball into the net with a powerful finish.
This goal gave Odisha some hope, but Ho Chi Minh City quickly tightened their defense. Despite Odisha’s best efforts, they couldn’t find another breakthrough, and time began to run out.
Late Goal Ends Odisha’s Hopes
As the match entered stoppage time, Ho Chi Minh City sealed the victory with a third goal. Ngo Thi Hong Nhung found the back of the net in the 94th minute, ensuring her team’s passage to the knockout stage. Odisha’s chances of progressing were officially over with this late strike.
Urawa Red Diamonds Progress as Well
The result also confirmed the advancement of Japan’s Urawa Red Diamonds Ladies to the knockout round. Both Ho Chi Minh City FC and Urawa Red Diamonds will face each other next to determine the winners of Group C. Their clash promises to be a thrilling contest, with both teams aiming to finish at the top of the group.
Odisha FC’s Final Match Against Taichung Blue Whale
Though Odisha FC has been eliminated from the tournament, they still have one match left. They will take on Taiwan’s Taichung Blue Whale in their final game. Both teams are out of contention for the knockout stages, but they will be playing for pride. Odisha will look to end their campaign on a high note by securing a win in this encounter.
What Went Wrong for Odisha FC?
Odisha FC entered the tournament with high hopes, but a combination of defensive lapses and missed chances cost them dearly. Their inability to handle early pressure in both games led to quick goals from their opponents. This left them playing catch-up for the majority of their matches, making it difficult to recover.
Additionally, Odisha struggled to maintain possession in key moments, allowing their opponents to dominate large portions of the game. While their attack showed promise, particularly with players like Malati Munda and Jennifer Yeboah, their defense remained vulnerable throughout the tournament.
Lessons for the Future
Despite their early exit, Odisha FC can take valuable lessons from their participation in the AFC Women’s Champions League. Competing at this level provides experience that can help the team grow. Moving forward, they will need to work on their defensive organization and learn to cope better with high-pressure situations.
The team also showed flashes of brilliance in attack, and if they can build on this, they have the potential to become a stronger side in future competitions. With proper adjustments, Odisha FC could return to the AFC Women’s Champions League with more confidence and better results.
Conclusion: Odisha’s Exit Marks the End of Their AFC Campaign
Odisha FC’s 1-3 defeat to Ho Chi Minh City FC marked the end of their AFC Women’s Champions League journey. While their campaign ended earlier than hoped, the experience gained will prove valuable for the team. They now have one final match against Taichung Blue Whale, where they will aim to finish their tournament on a positive note.
For now, the team will need to reflect on their performance, identify areas for improvement, and come back stronger in future competitions. Stay updated with the latest from IPL365.
