Odisha FC have secured their place in the group stage of the inaugural AFC Women's Champions League 2024/25 with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Etihad Club of Jordan in their final Group B match. Jennifer Kankam Yeboah scored a stunning brace for the Indian club in the match on Saturday.
It was a must-win match for Odisha FC Women to become the first Indian club to qualify for the AFC Women's Champions League 2024/25.
The match was a thrilling encounter from the start, with both teams creating early chances. Odisha's Jennifer Kankam Yeboah opened the scoring in the 27th minute after a defensive error by Etihad.
Just before halftime, both teams were reduced to 10 players following an altercation between Albtoush and Grace.
In the second half, Etihad fought back and equalized through Maysa Jbarah in the 57th minute. However, Odisha responded quickly, with Yeboah scoring her second goal of the match in the 71st minute to seal the victory for her side.
With the win, Odisha FC finishes top of Group B with a perfect six points and will now compete in Group C against Urawa Red Diamond Ladies, Ho Chi Minh City FC, and Taichung Blue Whale Women's Football.
AFC Women's Champions League Groups
Group A:Wuhan Jiangda Women's FC (CHN), Hyundai Steel Red Angels Women's FC (KOR), Abu Dhabi Country Club (UAE), Sabah FA (MAS)
Group B:Melbourne City (AUS), Kaya FC–Iloilo (PHI), College of Asian Scholars (THA), Bam Khatoon FC (IRN)
Group C:Urawa Red Diamonds Ladies (JPN), Ho Chi Minh City Women's FC (VIE), Taichung Blue Whale Women's Football (TPE), Odisha FC (IND)
The group stage will start from 6 to 12 October 2024.
Indian Football: Rahul KP creates history, signs for West Ham United
Rahul KP, the Indian winger, will play for English Premier League club West Ham United in The Soccer Tournament (TST), an elite 7 v 7 football competition featuring 48 teams from across the globe.
In a groundbreaking moment for Indian football, Rahul KP, the dynamic winger of Odisha FC, has been extended a prestigious invitation to represent English Premier League powerhouse West Ham United in the highly anticipated summer edition of The Soccer Tournament (TST), an elite 7 v 7 football competition featuring 48 teams from across the globe.
This is the first time in Indian football history that an Indian player will represent a top-division English Premier League club men’s team. This is a monumental achievement not only for Rahul's burgeoning career and Odisha FC but also for the continued growth and recognition of the state of Odisha and Indian football on the international stage.
The tournament is scheduled to take place from June 4 to June 9, 2025, in Raleigh, North Carolina, United States. The tournament boasts a diverse international roster, with participating teams and players hailing from countries including the United Kingdom, Spain, Switzerland, Brazil, Mexico, Nigeria, and India. The star-studded event will notably feature teams led by legendary footballers such as Luis Nani, Sergio Agüero, and Hope Solo.
Rahul KP will join a distinguished West Ham United squad that includes notable personalities like actor Hero Fiennes Tiffin, former Argentina international Mauro Zárate, and several professional athletes who have represented the United States in the World Indoor Football Cup.
The three group stage games featuring West Ham United will be broadcast live on YouTube channels. Additionally, these matches will be televised live on ESPN.
Best 10 Women's Footballers in the World Right Now
Who are the best 10 women's footballers in the world right now making an impact globally? Find out who makes their way to the list with Aitana Bonmati topping the chart.
Football knows no gender, and the talented women are proving that with their breathtaking gameplay. The world of women's football is setting new standards which has made it difficult to pick the best ones.
Based on the current landscape of the sport, check out the best 10 women's footballers in the world right now.
10. Lauren James
Lauren James celebrating her goal in a match against Aston Villa in 2022. Image | Pinterest
National Team: England
Club: Chelsea
Position: Forward
Goals: 65
Lauren James is an English footballer who plays as a forward for Chelsea in the WSL. She has won the PFAWomen's Young Player of the Year award in 2022-23 for her exceptional skills at a young age.
She previously played for Arsenal and Manchester United and switched to Chelsea in 2021. She has scored a total of 58 goals in 155 appearances across all clubs.
Lauren plays a major role in the England women's team, having 7 international goals in 27 appearances for England.
Klara Bühl adding a goal to their victory of 6-0 against Morocco in FIFA World Cup 2023. Image | Pinterest
National Team: Germany
Club: Bayern Munich
Position: Forward
Goals: 92
Klara Bühl is a professional german player who plays as left winger or forward. She is 17 year old and is considered as one of the best young wingers in Europe.
She was a part of SC Freiburg for four years before joining FC Bayern Munich in 2020. Klara has scored 65 goals in 230 appearances for clubs, and 27 international goals in 65 appearances for Germany.
Salma Paralluelo after scoring a goal Atlético de Madrid Femenino in 2024. Image | Instagram
National Team: Spain
Club: FC Barcelona
Position: Forward
Goals: 99
The Spanish left winger, Salma Paralluelo, is a born champion, with all three 3 World Cups to her name. She started her career as a sprinter and holds several records in the categories of under 16 and 18.
Salma won the FIFA Women's World Cup with the Spanish senior team in 2023, the FIFA U-20 World Cup in 2020, and FIFA U-17 World Cup in 2018. She also won the U-17 UEFA U-17 Women's Championship in 2018.
Salma has scored 85 goals in 125 club appearances and 14 goals in 35 appearances for Spain.
Linda Caicedo after scoring a goal against Germany in FIFA Women's World Cup 2023. Image | FIFPro
National Team: Colombia
Club: Real Madrid
Position: Forward
Goals: 46
Linda Caicedo is a Colombian footballer who has reached commendable milestones at a young age of 20. She plays as a forward for Real Madrid, and has been associated with football legends like Lionel Messi, Jude Bellingham, Trinity Rodman for commercial ad campaigns.
She played for América Cali and Deportivo Cali before joining Real Madrid, and scored a total of 33 goals in 92 appearances across all of them.
Linda has scored 13 goals to her name in 42 appearances for Colombia.
#FU17WWC Bronze Boot🥾 & Silver Ball ⚽ winner Linda Caicedo makes her senior #FIFAWWC debut 🫡
Alessia Russo after scoring a goal in a Arse's 4-1 WSL win over Chelsea in 2023. Image | Facebook
National Team: England
Club: Arsenal
Position: Forward
Goals: 87
Alessia Russo is a professional footballer who plays for England and the WSL club Arsenal as a forward. She has exceptional records, including being awarded the player of the month and goal of the month for Arsenal.
Alessia is known for her aggressive gameplay and match-winning abilities. She played for other clubs like Chelsea and Manchester United before, and was also the top scorer twice.
Her club goals count to 66 in 138 appearances across all clubs and 21 in 49 appearances for England.
Khadija Shaw in action for Manchester City in a WSL match against Liverpool. Image | womenfootball.blog
National Team: Jamaica
Club: Manchester City
Position: Forward
Goals: 182
The all-time top scorer, Khadija Shaw, is one of the world's best strikers from Jamaica, who also plays as a forward for Manchester City.
Khadija holds the record for the most hat-tricks in the history of the Women's Super League. She scored 125 goals in her 144 club appearances and 57 goals in 44 appearances for Jamaica!
She was named The Guardian Footballer of the Year in 2018 as a tribute to her legendary contributions in football.
4. Alexia Putellas
Alexia putellas in action for Spain in a football match. Image | Business Insider
National Team: Spain
Club: FC Barcelona
Position: Midfielder
Goals: 260
Alexis Putellas is a Spanish midfielder or forward who currently plays for Barcelona. She is the captain of Barcelona and has won all the individual European football awards.
Alexis is widely appreciated for her style of play and aura. She has previously played for Espanyol and Levante, having a total of 226 goals in 515 appearances across all clubs.
She scored 34 goals for the Spanish National Team in 130 appearances. Alexis also won Ballon d'Or Féminin for two consecutive years in 2021 and 2022.
3. Caroline Graham Hansen
Caroline Graham Hansen during a match playing for Barcelona. Image | BBC
National Team: Norway
Club: FC Barcelona
Position: Winger
Goals: 225
Caroline Graham Hansen is a Norwegian footballer who is one of the best wingers in the world. She plays for Barcelona and has won prestigious awards like Statoil Talent Award of the Year and others.
Hansen has exceptional dribbling and passing skills, which never fail to amaze the fans. She played for other clubs like Stabæk and Wolfsburg and scored 180 goals in all 404 appearances.
Her goals count to 45 in 95 international caps for Norway.
Sophia Smith celebrating her goal against Vietnam in World Cup Opener in 2023. Image | The Today Show
National Team: USA
Club: Portland Thorns
Position: Forward
Goals: 74
Sophia Smith is an American footballer who plays as a forward for the team. She plays for the NWSL club Portland Thorns and was named the most valuable player for them, along with the Golden Boot, in 2022.
Sophia scored 3 goals in the Paris Olympics 2024 for the US National Team. She earned her national team cap in 2020 and became the youngest player to debut for the US Women's National Team.
She scored 50 goals in 95 appearances for Portland Thorns FC and 24 goals in 58 appearances for the USA.
Her contributions in the world of football makes her way to the list of best 10 women's footballers in the world right now.
Aitana Bonmatí celebrates after scoring a goal for Barcelona in the Champions League Final in 2024. Image | Pinterest
National Team: Spain
Club: FC Barcelona
Position: Midfielder
Goals: 134
Aitana Bonmatí is a Spanish footballer who plays as a midfielder for FC Barcelona. She is one of the greatest of all time in football history. Her elegant style of play is a treat to the eyes.
The Spanish National team captain won the Ballon d'Or Féminin, Laureus World Sports Award, and Golden Player Woman Award for her incredible 2023 season for Spain and Barcelona. She is the first women's player to win The Best, Ballon d'Or, UEFA Player of the Year and World Cup Golden Ball in the same year
Mary Earps celebrating a goal save during a match for England. Image | FIFPro
The legendary English goalkeeper, Mary Earps, is a name honorary mention for this list. She plays for PSG and is considered to have the safest pair of hands when it comes to football. Earps' legendary performance in the UEFA Euro 2022 will always be remembered in the history of English football, as they lifted the European Championship.
Earps played for a total of 11 clubs, including Manchester United and became the first goalkeeper to reach 50 clean sheets in the WSL.
Earps received the Golden Glove Award for her record-breaking 14 clean sheets in 2024 for Manchester United. She is a two-time FIFA Best and Golden Glove winner.
Her iconic contributions deserves a special place in the list of best 10 women's footballers in the world right now.
IWL 2024-25: East Bengal FC clinch their maiden title; Gokulam finish as runners-up
East Bengal FC cemented their status as IWL 2024-25 champions with a commanding 3-0 victory over Gokulam Kerala FC at the East Bengal ground on Friday.
East Bengal FC cemented their status as IWL 2024-25 champions with a commanding 3-0 victory over Gokulam Kerala FC at the East Bengal ground on Friday.
Already assured of the title before kickoff, the Red and Golds showcased their supremacy by defeating every team in the league en route to the championship, with all three goals coming in an explosive first half.
The star of the show was Elshaddai Acheampong, who opened the scoring in the 27th minute. After missing earlier chances, including a header from five yards in the 19th minute, the Ghanaian forward made amends with a clinical finish, chipping the goalkeeper after a deft move past defenders following a pass from Anju Tamang.
Her poacher’s instinct shone again in the 37th minute, tapping in a cross from Karthika Angamuthu at the back post to double the lead. Minutes before halftime, Soumya Guguloth sealed the rout in the 42nd minute, rounding the keeper to score after a perfectly timed through ball.
Despite the title already in hand, East Bengal displayed remarkable professionalism, dominating possession and stifling Gokulam from the outset. The second half saw Gokulam mount a brief challenge, testing goalkeeper Panthoi Chanu with a long-range effort, but the champions held firm. This win marked the only team East Bengal had yet to beat this season, completing a flawless campaign.
The victory underscored East Bengal’s dominance throughout the season, blending skill, composure, and relentless attacking play.
For Gokulam, the defeat highlighted their struggle against the league’s top side, as East Bengal celebrated a perfect end to their triumphant IWL 2024-25 journey.
Odisha FC vs Mohammedan SC Highlights ISL 2024-25: Defensive Masterclass, Mohammedan SC and Odisha FC Settle for a 0-0 Draw | Odisha FC 0-0 Mohammedan SC
Catch the live updates, commentary, scoreline, and team news of the Odisha FC vs Mohammedan SC match in the Indian Super League 2024-25 at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar.
Hello and welcome to another live coverage of Indian football. We continue bringing you all the live updates of the Indian Super League 2024-25. Tonight, we will bring you all the live updates, news, and live scores of the crucial encounter between Odisha FC and Mohammedan FC at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar.
The Juggernauts have been defeated and drawn twice in their last five games, hampering their chances to make it to the top six. They are at the seventh spot presently with 29 points from 22 games on the back of seven victories and eight draws, behind the sixth-positioned Mumbai City FC (32) by three points, but the Islanders have played a game fewer (21).
The Kalinga Warriors are also battling competition from East Bengal FC and Kerala Blasters FC, who have 27 and 24 points from 22 and 21 encounters, respectively. Odisha FC also hopes that Mumbai City FC and NorthEast United FC drop points going forward so that the Sergio Lobera managed side can remain in contention for the next stages.
On the other hand, Mohammedan SC has faced losses in all of their last five games and is at the bottom with 11 points from 21 games. They will try to make Odisha FC the third side that they possibly beat this season after Chennaiyin FC and Bengaluru FC, but their recent form makes it a slightly tough task. They can, however, draw confidence from the fact that both of their wins this season have come on the road.
The Kolkata-based side is playing for pride and will be keen to spoil the party for Odisha with a win in match week 24. With three games remaining in their season, the club will have the opportunity to give a good account of themselves against a team fighting for a playoff spot.
The Juggernauts will have qualification berths at high stakes ahead of this game. So, sit back and enjoy the match as Sportz Point provides you with all the real-time updates, team news, live scores, and match commentary tonight.
This is Swastik Debnath, who will bring you all the updates of the match from the web desk.
Moreover, you can follow us on Twitter for all the updates.
The Kolkata-based side is out of the play-off qualification race.
Feb 28, 2025, 10:11 AM
Play-off qualification: Scenario: Odisha FC
The Juggernauts have been defeated and drawn twice in their last five games, hampering their chances to make it to the top six. They are at the seventh spot presently with 29 points from 22 games on the back of seven victories and eight draws, behind the sixth-positioned Mumbai City FC (32) by three points, but the Islanders have played a game fewer (21).
Feb 28, 2025, 10:09 AM
How to watch the Match
Football fans in India can watch the game in ISL 2024-25 on Star Sports Network, Sports18 3 TV Channel, the JioHotstar App, and the JioHotstar website.
Mohun Bagan SG vs Odisha FC Indian Super League 2024-25 Highlights: Mohun Bagan win the shield for the second time in a row after 1-0 win over Odisha
Catch the highlights of the Mohun Bagan SG vs Odisha FC match in the Indian Super League 2024-25 season at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan (VYBK) in Saltlake, Kolkata, Mohun Bagan successfully defended league shield by a powerful strike from Dimi Petratos.
Hello and welcome to another live coverage of Indian football as we continue bringing you all the live updates of the Indian Super League 2024-25. Tonight, we will get you all the live updates, news, and live scores of the intense encounter between Mohun Bagan Super Giants vs Odisha FC at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Saltlake, Kolkata.
The Gaurs are currently second-placed and have 42 points in 21 encounters. FC Goa will reach a maximum of 51 points if they win their remaining games. Three points from this game will take Mohun Bagan Super Giants to 52, guaranteeing the shield for them.
On the other hand, Odisha FC is currently struggling to find themselves in the top 6 spot, they are currently in the seventh position with just 29 points in 21 encounters. Sixth-placed Mumbai City FC has 32 points and looks like the Kalinga Warriors can qualify for the playoffs, never won an away game against the Mariners in the four games.
The Kalinga Warriors come into this match on the back of a strong attacking record, having netted 40 goals from inside the box in the Indian Super League 2024-25 season, the highest of any team in the competition. However, they will face a challenge against the Mohun Bagan Super Giants, who have conceded only 11 goals lowest by any team in the Indian Super League 2024-25 season, while also keeping the most clean sheets (13) in the competition.
So, sit back and relax this is Swastik Debnath, who will bring you all the updates of this intense match from the web desk.
Moreover, you can follow us on Twitter for all the updates. Join our Telegram and WhatsApp channels to get all the news and scores.
Mohun Bagan is successfully defended the Indian Super League Shield
An exceptional strike from Dimi Petratos is enough to defend the league shield. Mohun Bagan Super Giants will qualify for the AFC Cup in back-to-back seasons, and they will represent India on the global stage.
Final Whistle Blows!!!!! | Mohun Bagan SG 1-0 Odisha FC
Jose Molina's managed side wins another league shield with an unbelievable strike from Dimi. Mohun Bagan creates history by winning the league shield in back-to-back seasons.
An individual who will not be in a party mood on Sunday will be ex-Mohun Bagan midfielder Hugo Boumous, who has enjoyed a prolific 2024-25 season with Odisha FC. He’s been one of their biggest sparks with his proactive threat in the opposition half, managing 10 goal contributions (four goals, six assists) in 19 games. Boumous comes into this goal after scoring and assisting in the win over Hyderabad FC in the last game.
Jason Cummings has excelled in his partnership with Jamie Maclaren at Mohun Bagan and looks very comfortable playing in that withdrawn center-forward role. The Australian forward has been a major creative threat for the Mariners, fueling their attacking moves with his clever passes and final product.