East Bengal FC Women reach historic AFC Champions League knockouts
- Qualification was confirmed by finishing as the second-best third-placed team across three groups.
- The quarter-final matches are scheduled for March 27-28, 2027.
- The knockout stage draw will take place on December 3 in Kuala Lumpur.
The team secured this historic quarter-final berth on Saturday, November 7, 2026, despite a 0-2 loss to North Korean club April 25 SC.
The match took place at the Kishore Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata. This result marks the first time an Indian club has advanced to the final rounds of the continental tournament.
Qualification path as a third-placed team
The final goal difference dropped to this level following their 0-2 defeat against April 25 SC. The team needed to avoid a loss by more than three goals to successfully secure their knockout position.
They advanced ahead of Myanmar’s Ayeyawady Women’s FC, who also finished with three points but held a goal difference of minus six. The Lxme Indian Women's League champions' earlier 2-1 victory over Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh City WFC proved to be the decisive result for their qualification.
Match details against 4.25 SC
April 25 SC took an immediate lead in the Kolkata match on November 7, 2026. Han Jin-Hong scored the opening goal with a header in the second minute after connecting with a cross delivered by Pak Ok-I.
Ri Su Yang headed the ball wide in the 22nd minute, and Jong Pom Hui struck the post in the 29th minute.
Oh Sol-Song increased the lead for 4.25 SC in the 43rd minute with a long-range effort. This goal came after a free-kick from Jong Pom Hui caused confusion in the East Bengal penalty area. The All India Football Federation reported that Jong Pok-yong set up the finish for Oh Sol-song following that free-kick.
The first half was dominated by 4.25 SC, who held 70 percent possession and registered eight attempts on goal. In contrast, East Bengal recorded two attempts during the same period.
East Bengal goalkeeper Elangbam Panthoi Chanu made two saves during the match. She prevented a further goal five minutes into the second half by tipping a curling free-kick from Jong Ryong Jong over the crossbar.
In the 68th minute, Oh Sol-Song headed the ball over the bar following a cross from Myong Yu Jong.
Group B final standings
April 25 SC finished at the top of Group B with nine points and an all-win record.
Hwacheon KSPO WFC claimed second place in the group after a 3-1 victory against Ho Chi Minh City WFC.
Upcoming knockout stage schedule
East Bengal will be unseeded and face either Naegohyang Women's FC, PFC Nasaf, or Melbourne City FC.
The quarter-final matches are scheduled for March 27-28, 2027.
Team context and personnel
Anthony Andrews is the head coach of the East Bengal team.
Player Hitomi Tanaka is a member of the squad.
Performance of other third-placed teams
Uzbekistan's PFC Nasaf qualified as the best third-placed team in the tournament with six points.
Three teams in Group C also finished their campaign with six points.
Frequently Asked Questions
- East Bengal becomes first Indian club to qualify for AFC Women’s Champions League knockouts - Sportstar (sportstar.thehindu.com)
- East Bengal Make History, Become First Indian Club to Reach AFC Women’s Champions League Knockouts (revsportz.in)
- East Bengal makes history in AFC Women's Champions League - The Hindu (thehindu.com)
- East Bengal Become First Indian Club To Reach AFC Women's Champions League Knockouts (sports.ndtv.com)
- Historic quarter-final qualification for East Bengal in AFC Women's Champions League (the-aiff.com)
- East Bengal Make History as First Indian Club to Reach AFC Women’s Champions League Quarter-finals (indiasportshub.com)
- East Bengal Become First Indian Club To Reach AFC Women's Champions League Knockouts (sports.ndtv.com)
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