AFC Women’s Champions League: East Bengal Women Clinch Historic Group Stage Berth

Image Credit: East Bengal Media

East Bengal FC Women etched their name into the history books by qualifying for the Group Stage of the AFC Women’s Champions League 2025-26, following a determined 1-1 draw against Hong Kong’s Kitchee SC at the National Sports Complex, Phnom Penh.

The point gained ensured that the Indian Women’s League champions topped Group E with four points from two matches, becoming only the second Indian club after Odisha FC to secure a place in the competition’s main draw.

Head Coach Anthony Andrews made one change to the starting XI that defeated Phnom Penh Crown earlier in the week, handing a start to Soumya Guguloth in place of Aminah Nababi. The Red & Golds began with attacking intent, pressing Kitchee high up the pitch and dominating early possession.

The pressure yielded reward in the ninth minute. Midfielder Sangita Basfore timed her run perfectly to latch on to an assist from Ugandan striker Fazila Ikwaput, slotting the ball past the goalkeeper to hand East Bengal a deserved lead. The Kolkata side continued to create chances, with Guguloth and Ikwaput driving through the final third, but were unable to add to their advantage before the interval.

Kitchee responded strongly after the break, committing numbers forward in search of an equaliser. Their persistence paid off in the 59th minute when forward Ho Mui Mei found space to score past the East Bengal defence, levelling the contest.

The equaliser tested the resilience of the IWL champions, but East Bengal’s backline – marshalled by internationals Sweety Devi and Ashalata Devi – remained composed under pressure. Goalkeeper Panthoi Chanu also stood firm when called upon, ensuring that Kitchee were unable to find a decisive second goal.

With the full-time whistle, East Bengal Women held on to the crucial draw that carried them into the last twelve of Asian women’s club football. The result capped off a memorable week in Phnom Penh, where the side first overcame local champions Phnom Penh Crown 1-0, before displaying character to finish top of the group.

Speaking after the match, Head Coach Anthony Andrews expressed both pride and caution:

“We dedicate this qualification to all the East Bengal and Indian football fans who have consistently supported us. I am proud of my team. However, we should have done better in front of the goal. The challenge will be greater as we will now compete against the elite clubs of Asian women's football. We will analyze our mistakes and rectify them as we prepare for the next round.”