Chinese superstar Wang Shuang delivered a commanding performance, scoring a brace to guide Wuhan Jiangda to a 2–0 victory over East Bengal in their AFC Women’s Champions League group-stage clash in Wuhan on Thursday.
Wuhan Jiangda — the defending champion — had been held to a frustrating 1–1 draw in its opening match against Uzbek side Nasaf. But against Indian champion East Bengal, the hosts wasted little time asserting their authority, with Shuang orchestrating the attack and showcasing her class throughout.
The opener arrived within eight minutes. Song Fei whipped in a precise cross, and Shuang, timing her run perfectly, calmly slotted the ball past East Bengal goalkeeper Panthoi Chanu.
Facing one of Asia’s top women’s football sides, East Bengal focused on defensive discipline. However, a misjudged late challenge by Panthoi on Shuang inside the box handed Wuhan a penalty. The Chinese talisman — an Asian Games silver medallist and four-time Chinese Women’s Footballer of the Year — converted with characteristic composure, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way to double the advantage.
The win lifted Wuhan Jiangda to the top of the group with four points from two matches. East Bengal, with one win in its opening game, sits second on three points.
The Moshal Girls will now need at least a draw against Nasaf on November 23 to secure their place in the quarterfinals.
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