Odisha FC loses 1-3 to Ho Chi Minh City in AFC Women’s Champions League

The Juggernauts were handed an early blow after Thi Kim Yen Nguyen headed in the ball from a corner into the top right corner in the first minute of the match to give her side the lead.

Despite having four shots from eight on target, and a much improved performance since its 0-17 drubbing at the hands of Japan’s Urawa Red Diamonds, Odisha FC failed to find the net for the second time. | Photo Credit: Odisha FC/X

In a challenging encounter, Odisha FC fell 1-3 to Ho Chi Minh City in the AFC Women’s Champions League. The Kalinga Warriors were on the back foot right from the start, as the host raced to an early lead within the first minute from a corner.

Odisha’s first real attempt came in the 12th minute with Neha Sillay’s long-range shot, but it was Nishka Parkash’s setup for Jennifer Yeboah that nearly levelled the score shortly after, only to be saved by the Ho Chi Minh goalkeeper. The home side maintained pressure, and it bore fruit just before halftime when Odisha failed to clear a deep cross, giving the host a comfortable two-goal lead heading into the break.

In the second half, Odisha stepped up its game and created chances on the counter. Its persistence paid off in the 63rd minute when Malati Munda initiated a promising attack culminating in Yeboah’s powerful finish that halved the deficit and gave Odisha its first goal in the group stage. Riding on the momentum, Odisha continued to press forward in search of the equaliser.

However, Ho Chi Minh City put the game to rest in stoppage time, securing a win with its third goal of the evening. The results leave Odisha FC winless in the tournament, with a crucial encounter to come against Taichung Blue Whale Women’s Football Team on October 12.