Jennifer Yeboah struck both goals as a resilient Odisha FC of India edged Jordan’s Etihad Club 2-1 in their AFC Women’s Champions League 2024-25 Preliminary Stage Group B tie on Saturday to seal a place in the group stage of the inaugural tournament.
Finishing top with a perfect six points, Odisha’s journey will continue in Group C where they will have to contend with Japan’s Urawa Red Diamond Ladies, Ho Chi Minh City FC of Vietnam and Taichung Blue Whale Women’s Football of Chinese Taipei for a place in the knockout stage.
The game got off to an explosive start with Etihad’s Naima Bouhani heading over from close range while Yeboah skewed a shot wide.
A mistake from the Etihad defence led to the breakthrough in the 27th minute, a misunderstanding between Taqi Ghazi and goalkeeper Sherin Shalabi giving Yeboah the opportunity to guide the ball into a gaping goalmouth.
Odisha went close to doubling their lead in the 36th minute through Maryam Juke’s thunderous free-kick from 30 yards out which hit the bar with Hauhnar Grace failing to hit the target on the follow-up.
The tie then saw both teams reduced to 10 players just before the break, with an off-the-ball altercation between Albtoush and Grace resulting in referee Rebecca Durcau sending them off.
Etihad laid siege to the Odisha goal from the restart, Rouzbahan Freij sending a shot over after a brilliant solo run before Bouhani’s attempt was well caught by Odisha goalkeeper Shreya Hooda.
The Jordanians’ continuous effort bore fruit in the 57th minute, a long cross into the box was diverted by Bouhani into the path of Maysa Jbarah to curl a low shot beyond Hooda for the equaliser.
The Indian side, however, did not take the setback lying down and took the lead again in the 71st minute, benefiting from another Etihad mistake when Shalabi missed her attempted clearance, allowing Yeboah to slot home her second of the game to take Odisha into the group stage.
AFC Media
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