Odisha FC suffered their second straight defeat at the group stage of the AFC Womens Champions League when they went down fighting 1-3 to Ho Chi Minh City Womens FC of Vietnam at the Thong Nhat Stadium in Ho Chi Minh City today. The Bhubaneswar-based Odisha FC had started their Group-C campaign on a disastrous note, getting mauled by Urawa Red Diamonds Ladies of Japan 17-0 three days back.

Ho Chi Minh City enjoyed a perfect start as they took the lead in the first minute when Nguyen Thi Kim Yen headed home off a corner by Huynh Nhu. Despite the early setback, Kalinga Warriors showed intent going forward, with Huynh Nhu continuously threatening their defence.

Odisha FC got the first opportunity to score in the 12th minute with a long-range shot by Neha Sillay, but it was Nishka Parkash whose setup for Jennifer Yeboah nearly levelled the score shortly after, only to be saved by the Ho Chi Minh goalkeeper.

Maintaining pressure, the home side doubled the lead three minutes before halftime when Odisha failed to clear a deep cross into the box, leaving Tran Thi Thu Thao with space to set up Huynh Nhu for a simple finish.

In the second half, Odisha stepped up their game and created chances on the counter. Their persistence paid off in the 63rd minute when Malati Munda started the move on the right, setting up Yeboah to dribble past her marker before rifling a powerful shot past Quach Thu Em.

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

Ho Chi Minh City Womens FC confirmed their spot in the knockout stage along with Urawa Red Diamonds Ladies. The two sides will meet on October 12 to decide the group winners.
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PHOTO: Odisha FC forward Malati Munda (15) in action during their AFC Womens Champions League match against Ho Chi Minh City FC on 9 October 2024. She created the opportunity for Jennifer Yeboah to score the only goal for Odisha FC.