Odisha FC, the 2023-24 Indian Women’s League champions, has been drawn in Group B of the AFC Women’s Champions League 2024-25 preliminary stage, alongside Etihad Club (Jordan) and Lion City Sailors FC (Singapore). The team will compete in Jordan, aiming to top the group and qualify for the group stage where they will be placed in Group C.
France and England took crucial steps toward qualifying for Euro 2025, while Spain and Germany suffered surprising defeats. France secured its place in the tournament with a 2-1 win over Sweden, while England needs only a draw against Sweden to advance. Meanwhile, Spain and Germany both lost their respective matches, leaving their qualification hopes in doubt.
The 2024 Olympic women’s football tournament in France promises a thrilling competition, with the United States’ dominance facing challenges and Spain making its debut. New coach Emma Hayes leads a revamped US team, while Spain boasts talent despite recent turmoil. Canada seeks to rebound after a World Cup disappointment, and Brazil’s legendary Marta prepares for her final tournament.
Indian footballers Jyoti Chouhan, MK Kashmina, and Kiran Pisda played key roles in helping ZNK Dinamo Zagreb secure their first-ever Croatian Women’s Football Cup title. The final against ZNK Osijek went to a penalty shootout, with Kashmina scoring the decisive spot-kick in a dramatic sudden death finish.
Pere Romeu, former assistant coach under Jonatan Giraldez, has been appointed as the new head coach of Barcelona’s women’s team. He inherits a squad that won a historic quadruple last season, but will face the challenge of maintaining that success following Giraldez’s departure.
Chelsea battled to a hard-fought draw at Prenton Park as they faced Liverpool in the Women’s Super League. The match was an entertaining affair, with both teams showcasing their attacking prowess. Chelsea took the lead early in the first half through a stunning strike from Sam Kerr, but Liverpool responded emphatically with a goal from Katie Stengel just minutes later. The second half saw both teams continue to push for the win, but neither could find a breakthrough. The result leaves Chelsea in second place in the WSL standings, while Liverpool remains in fifth.
England goalkeeper Ellie Roebuck is set to transfer to Barcelona from Manchester City at the conclusion of the current season. Roebuck’s contract with City ends in June, and her decision to pursue an international opportunity stems from diminished playing time at the club due to the emergence of rising star Khiara Keating. Despite a recent stroke diagnosis disclosed by Roebuck in March, her recovery is progressing well, and she expressed a positive outlook on her career trajectory. Roebuck’s transfer to Barcelona comes after the Spanish giants reportedly kept tabs on her recovery and initiated the move, initially discussed towards the end of last year. Roebuck’s departure creates an opportunity for Barcelona goalkeepers Cata Coll and Gemma Font to compete for the starting position. Roebuck’s lack of playing time under Manchester City manager Gareth Taylor this season has also affected her standing with the England national team, coached by Sarina Wiegman, who has opted for other goalkeepers in recent months. Despite this setback, Roebuck remains determined to regain her position in the England squad as the qualification campaign for the 2025 European Championship begins.
Chelsea emerged victorious from their UEFA Champions League semi-final first leg, defeating Barcelona 1-0 on their home turf. Erin Cuthbert’s crucial goal in the 40th minute sealed the win for Chelsea, marking the first time a team has defeated Barcelona in their stadium since 2022. The match showcased Chelsea’s remarkable growth under manager Emma Hayes, who has continuously refined their strategies. Despite switching to a back five formation, Chelsea maintained an attacking presence and dominated the match, limiting Barcelona to just one shot on target. Jess Carter, a key defensive standout, played a significant role in Chelsea’s success and was named player of the match. With the return leg at Stamford Bridge approaching, Chelsea aims to create a formidable atmosphere and galvanize the support of their fans, who will play a vital role in their quest to reach the Champions League final.
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) Technical Committee has recommended former player Langam Chaoba Devi as the new head coach for the senior women’s national football team. The announcement came after a virtual meeting of the committee to discuss coaching appointments for the national teams. Chaoba Devi was recommended based on her experience with the team, having recently guided them during the Turkish Women’s Cup in February 2024. Along with Chaoba Devi, Priya PV and Ronibala Chanu have been proposed as assistant and goalkeeping coaches, respectively.
Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) will confer an honorary doctorate on Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis at its graduation ceremony on Thursday. Ellis, a four-time African Coach of the Year, will receive the accolade for her significant achievements as a professional sportsperson and head coach of the South African women’s football team, Banyana Banyana. Under her leadership, Banyana Banyana have achieved unprecedented success, including winning the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in 2022 and qualifying for back-to-back FIFA Women’s World Cups. Ellis is the most successful coach in the history of Banyana Banyana.
