East Bengal Aims for Historic AFC Women's Champions League Run
East Bengal Women's Football Club is on the brink of making history as they embark on their AFC Women's Champions League journey in Kolkata. The team aims to become the first Indian club to reach the prestigious quarter-finals of this continental competition. Their Group B campaign kicks off against Vietnam's Ho Chi Minh City, a match that could set the tone for their aspirations.
This year marks a significant milestone as India hosts the Group Stage of the AFC Women's Champions League for the first time, with all three of East Bengal's matches taking place at the Kishore Bharati Krirangan. Following their opener against Ho Chi Minh City, they will face South Korea's Hwacheon KSPO WFC on November 4 and North Korea's 4.25 SC on November 7.
East Bengal has qualified for the Group Stage for the second consecutive season, having topped Group A in the Preliminary Stage held in Malaysia in August. Their impressive run included victories over Bangladesh's Rajshahi Stars (4-0), Guam's Rovers FC (12-0), and Sabah FA (2-0), finishing with a perfect record. This success has instilled confidence in the squad, which is currently on an eight-match unbeaten streak in international football, scoring 34 goals without conceding.
The team, coached by Anthony Andrews, is eager to improve upon last season's near-miss for a knockout berth. The tournament features 12 teams competing for eight quarter-final spots, with the three group winners, three runners-up, and the two best third-placed teams advancing. Andrews acknowledges the quality of their opponents but believes his team is well-prepared for the challenge ahead.
"It's a huge opportunity for us to play the AFC Women's Champions League on home soil. We'll face some of the best teams in Asia, but we have prepared well and intensely for this moment," Andrews stated. He emphasized the need for his players to elevate their game to compete against these formidable teams and secure a place in the knockout rounds.
To prepare for the physical demands of continental football, East Bengal has engaged in regular friendlies against U-15 and U-17 boys' teams. This strategy aims to enhance their pace and intensity, crucial for competing at this level. Andrews has called on fans to support the team at Kishore Bharati Krirangan, highlighting the importance of home advantage.
Building on last season's historic success
The club enters this competition following a remarkable 2025-26 season, where they became the first Indian club to win a treble in women's football, clinching the SAFF Women's Club Championship, Indian Women's League, and Calcutta Women's Football League titles. With a record of 30 wins in 35 matches last season, the team is determined to carry this momentum into the AFC Women's Champions League.
East Bengal has retained most of its core players while bolstering the squad with new signings, including Indian internationals Rimpa Haldar and Thoibisana Chanu, along with Japanese player Hitomi Tanaka and Ghanaian trio Olivia Anokye, Adama Alhassan, and Abigail Antwi. Olivia was particularly notable in the AWCL Preliminary Stage, finishing as the team's top scorer with five goals.
Midfielder Sathi Debnath expressed her excitement about playing at Kishore Bharati Krirangan, a venue where she won her first trophy with East Bengal. "We've been preparing rigorously over the past two months for this competition, and we've played multiple friendlies against boys during this time. These games have helped us become physically and mentally stronger," she said. Debnath emphasized the team's resolve to rectify last year's disappointments and secure a place in the knockout stage of the tournament.
What the Scoreboard Won't Tell You
With their sights set firmly on advancing past the group stage, East Bengal's players are determined to learn from last season's mistakes. The pressure is on as they face tough competition in their group, but the team's preparation and recent form suggest they are ready to rise to the occasion. The opening match against Ho Chi Minh City will be crucial, and a strong performance could provide the momentum needed for their campaign.
As the tournament unfolds, all eyes will be on East Bengal to see if they can achieve their historic goal of reaching the quarter-finals. The combination of home advantage, a strong squad, and the determination to succeed could very well lead to a breakthrough moment for Indian women's football on the continental stage.
