Kota Kinabalu (Malaysia), Aug 17 (PTI) Ghanaian attacking midfielder Olivia Anokye scored a brace as East Bengal drubbed Rajshahi Stars FC of Bangladesh 4-0 to begin their AFC Women’s Champions League Preliminary Round campaign in style here on Monday.
Anokye struck in the ninth and 38th minutes, while India internationals Astam Oraon (26th) and Soumya Guguloth (71st) netted once each to wrap up a dominant victory.
East Bengal next face Guam’s Rovers FC on Thursday and hosts Sabah FA on Sunday. Only the group winners will qualify for the group stage of the main tournament.
East Bengal started strongly and were 1-0 up with Anokye stroking home a penalty despite the best efforts of goalkeeper Rupna Chakma.
The IWL champions extended their lead when Rimpa Haldar floated a cross beyond Rupna, with Sulanjana Raul reacting quickest at the back post to cut back the ball for Anokye to grab her second of the day.
Rajshahi regrouped after the break, but even though they offered more resistance, they had only one long-range strike from Monika Chakma, which Panthoi Chanu Elangbam saved.
The Moshal Girls played the patient game with the advantage in their hands, capitalising on a defensive mistake to add to their scoreline, with Sulanjana playing Soumya through to slot it home. PTI PDS PDS TAP
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