The Group B encounter remained finely balanced at halftime with the score locked at 1-1. However, the visitors dominated the second half, securing three points to draw level with East Bengal in the standings. Both teams now sit on three points following East Bengal’s opening victory against Ho Chi Minh City WFC.
A Competitive Opening Half
The match began with Hwacheon KSPO applying early pressure, forcing East Bengal goalkeeper Panthoi Chanu Elangbam into action. Despite the visitors' intent, it was the hosts who drew first blood. In the 17th minute, Fazila Ikwaput capitalized on a clearance from Astam Oraon, winning a foot race against Kim Ji-hyeon before clinically finding the bottom corner to open the scoring.
The lead was short-lived, however. In the 26th minute, Lee Su-bin saw her initial free-kick blocked by the defensive wall, but she reacted quickly to her second attempt, which took a deflection off Resty Nanziri to level the score. Both sides traded opportunities as the half progressed, with Ikwaput and Hitomi Tanaka both coming close to restoring the lead for their respective sides.
Hwacheon Pull Away After the Break
The momentum shifted decisively in the second half. Hwacheon KSPO surged ahead in the 53rd minute when Wie Jae-eun converted a penalty, awarded following a Football Video Support review after a foul on Choi Jeong-min. Just three minutes later, the South Korean side extended their lead as Jeong-min set up Mun Eun-ju to sweep the ball home.
With the game opening up, Hwacheon sealed their victory in the 76th minute. Kim Hyeon-a provided a precise through ball for Wie, who slotted past Panthoi to complete her brace and finalize the 4-1 scoreline.
Despite the loss, East Bengal’s path to the quarter-finals remains clear. Currently third in the group with a goal difference of minus two, they face a challenging final group match against DPR Korea’s 4.25 SC on Saturday. A draw against the group leaders would guarantee a knockout berth, while the team could also progress as one of the best third-placed sides across the tournament. Furthermore, a draw in the Group A match between Bam Khatoon FC and Ayeyawady FC could secure East Bengal's qualification before their own final fixture commences.
