Looking to leave behind the humiliating 17-0 loss in the opening game of AFC Women’s Champions League, an improved Odisha FC Women fell 1-3 to hosts Ho Chi Minh City at Thong Nhat Stadium in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, on Wednesday.
Nguyen Thi Kim Yen (2’) opened the scoring for the hosts, while Huynh Nhu (43’) doubled the lead two minutes before the break. Jennifer Yeboah (68’) had raised hopes of a comeback for the Kalinga Warriors by pulling one back after the change of sides but the added-time strike from Ngo Thi Hong Nhung (90+4’) sealed the deal for Ho Chi Minh City.
Earlier, the Kalinga Warriors were on the back foot right from the start, as the hosts took the lead very early in the game. Despite the early setback, Odisha showed their intent of going forward, with opponent striker Nhu continuously threatening the rival defence.
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 Yeboah that nearly levelled the score shortly after, only to be saved by the Ho Chi Minh goalkeeper.
However, the home side maintained pressure, and it bore fruit just before half-time when Odisha failed to clear a deep cross, giving the hosts a comfortable two-goal cushion heading into the break.
In the second half, Odisha stepped up their game and created chances on the counter. Their persistent effort paid off when Malati Munda initiated a promising attack culminating in Yeboah’s powerful finish that reduced the margin and gave the Juggernauts their first goal in the group stage. Riding on the momentum, Odisha continued to press forward in search of the equaliser but that was not to be.
The home side 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 game left in Group C against Taichung Blue Whale on Saturday.
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