Somnath Roy | Kolkata
A crucial AFC Women’s Champions League encounter awaits as East Bengal face Nasaf in a matchup that promises a clash of contrasting styles. East Bengal is coming into this match with momentum and confidence, as well as a tactical style that is ready to go up against the side from Uzbekistan. Nasaf, on the other hand, are known for their structured formation and their combination of possession and sustained pressure that can complicate any opponent’s rhythm.
A Direct Threat from East Bengal
East Bengal’s primary strength lies in their quick counterattacks and their ability to exploit spaces with vertical long balls. Midfielders Resty Nanziri and Aminah Nababi are crucial in winning duels and disrupting play in central areas. Their biggest target will be star striker Fazila Ikwaput, who thrives in open spaces. Ikwaput’s pace makes her one of the most dangerous forwards in the tournament, and she will test a Nasaf backline that has shown vulnerability in its last two matches.
A Possession Machine in Nasaf
Nasaf bring a completely different identity—patient, technical, and utterly possession-oriented. They currently lead the competition in passes per match, averaging well over 600 passes, the highest in the tournament. Their style is built on slow, deliberate buildup play.
The back four alone completes over 120 passes per match, underscoring their confidence in ball retention.
If Nasaf succeed in controlling the tempo early, East Bengal will be forced to stay compact, absorb pressure, and wait for counter-attacking moments.
Crucial Winger Battles
One of the most important duels will be between Nasaf’s pacey left winger Lyudmila Karachik and East Bengal’s reliable right-back Sarita Yumnam. Karachik’s speed and crossing ability can change games, but Sarita has been one of East Bengal’s most consistent performers in the AWCL.
On the opposite flank, East Bengal wingers Soumya Guguloth and Jyoti Chouhan must test Nasaf’s full-backs, who typically receive the highest number of touches in their buildup. Aggressive pressing could force mistakes and open up counter-attacking opportunities.
What to Expect
Expect Nasaf to rely on controlled possession, while East Bengal will look for fast transitions. East Bengal have stronger duel-winning ability and a more dangerous counter-attacking threat, whereas Nasaf’s rigid structure can punish opponents for even a momentary lapse in concentration.
It may sound surprising, but East Bengal possess one of the best foreign contingents in the tournament. Players like Resty and Aminah will need to contain Nasaf’s dominant Uzbek midfield, increasing East Bengal’s chances of winning interceptions in key areas.
Squad Setbacks for East Bengal
Ashalata Devi and Karthika Angamuthu have been struggling to cope with Wuhan’s harsh weather, which ruled them out of the final group-stage match. Sandhiya Ranganathan and Maureen Okpala are also carrying minor injuries and remain doubtful for the fixture. Their absence could affect East Bengal’s squad depth, particularly in defensive organisation and attacking rotations.