All posts tagged: AFC Women’s Champions League

A bigger, more competitive season over the horizon

A bigger, more competitive season over the horizon

Published by Webster

The much-anticipated Indian Women’s League (IWL) 2024-25 is set to kick off on January 10, 2025, marking the start of another thrilling chapter in Indian women’s football. The league is expanding with eight teams this season after two teams were promoted from the inaugural IWL 2 season. Fans can expect a highly competitive tournament with 56 matches taking place across the country over the next three months. These fixtures will not only determine the national champion but also offer the victorious team a golden opportunity to represent India at the 2025-26 AFC Women’s Champions League. Defending Champions Odisha FC: Can they keep the momentum going? Odisha FC Women made history last season by clinching their maiden IWL trophy, breaking Gokulam Kerala FC’s long-standing dominance. Under head coach Crispin Chettri, they finished the 2023-24 season as champions, marking an impressive start for the club, which was only founded in 2022. This season, however, the Kalinga Warriors are facing a new challenge, as several key players have moved on, making way for a younger, fresher squad. Despite …

Odisha FC Hit by Key Player Absences Ahead of AFC Women’s Champions League Opener

Published by Webster

Odisha FC Women are gearing up for their AFC Women’s Champions League campaign but face significant challenges ahead of their opening group-stage match against Japan’s Urawa Red Diamonds. The squad will be without some key players, which could impact their chances on the continental stage. One of the most notable absences is Cameroon defender Elaine, who is unable to participate due to unresolved International Transfer Certificate (ITC) issues. A dispute between the Real Federación Española de Fútbol (RFEF) and the Federação Portuguesa de Futebol (FPF) over player ownership has delayed her clearance. Her presence would have been crucial for Odisha’s defense against Urawa’s formidable attack. Additionally, forward Grace has been hit with a five-match ban by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), stemming from a red card incident during the prelims against Lion City Sailors. The loss of Grace, a key figure in Odisha’s attacking setup, adds to the team’s woes. The team’s attacking strength has taken another hit, with star striker Pyari Xaxa sidelined after suffering a minor injury in a bike accident just before …