Bhubaneswar: 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 hosts raced to an early lead within the first minute from a corner. Despite the early setback, the team showed intent going forward, with Huynh Nhu continuously threatening their 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 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 hosts a comfortable two-goal lead heading into the break.
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 initiated a promising attack culminating in Yeboah's powerful finish that halved the deficit 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.
However, Ho Chi Minh City put the game to rest in stoppage time, securing a win with their third goal of the evening. The results leaves Odisha FC winless in the tournament, with a crucial encounter to come against Taichung Blue Whale Women’s Football Team on October 12.
