Odisha FC has made history by securing a spot in the AFC Women’s Champions League group stage. This achievement marks a significant milestone for the club and Indian women’s football. The team topped their preliminary round in Zarqa, Jordan, showcasing their skill and determination on the international stage.
Odisha FC’s tournament so far
Odisha FC’s journey to the group stage began with a commanding performance against Lion City Sailors FC from Singapore. The match ended in a 4-1 victory, with 19-year-old Lynda Kom Serto scoring a brace and two own goals from the opposition.
Serto’s instinctive header and first-time finish from Pyari Xaxa’s pass highlighted her potential as a rising star in Indian football. Neha Sillay, recently named AIFF Emerging Women’s Player of the Year, also impressed with her surging runs and accurate crosses.
In their next match, Odisha faced the hosts, Etihad Club. The game was a closely contested affair, but Odisha managed to secure a 2-1 win. Jennifer Kankam Yeboah opened the scoring in the 27th minute, thanks to a well-timed pass from Neha. Although Etihad Club equalized in the 57th minute through Jordan’s all-time top-scorer Maysa Jbarah, Odisha found the winning goal in the 70th minute. Serto picked out Yeboah, who capitalized on an error by the Etihad goalkeeper to slot the ball into the net.
With these victories, Odisha topped their group and secured their place in the AFC Women’s Champions League group stage. This achievement is a testament to the team’s hard work, dedication, and resilience. The players and coaching staff have worked tirelessly to reach this milestone, and their efforts have paid off.
𝐇𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐜 𝐍𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐢𝐧 𝐉𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐚𝐧 🔥🏟
📸 Enjoy some clicks from the historic win against Etihad Club to qualify for the Group Stage of #AWCL#OdishAFC #OFCW #OFCWomen | #IndianFootball pic.twitter.com/s1WICzqeU8
— Odisha FC Women (@OdishaFCW) September 1, 2024
In the group stage, Odisha FC will face tough competition from Urawa Red Diamonds Ladies (Japan), Taichung Blue Whale Women’s Football Team (Chinese Taipei), and hosts Ho Chi Minh City Women’s FC (Vietnam).
The group stage matches will be held in a centralized format from October 6-12, 2024. The top two finishers of each group and the two best third-placed sides will progress to the quarterfinals, which will be played on March 22 and 23, 2025.
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