East Bengal FC Women have scripted a historic chapter in Indian football, becoming the first-ever Indian women’s club to secure a place in the quarterfinals of the AFC Women’s Champions League (AWCL) 2026-27.
The Moshal Girls booked their place in the last eight despite suffering a 0-2 defeat against North Korea’s April 25 SC in their final Group B fixture at the Kishore Bharati Krirangan on Saturday. While the result was disappointing, their overall campaign proved sufficient to take them into the knockout rounds.
East Bengal began their group-stage journey on a positive note, registering an impressive 2-1 victory over Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh City. However, they subsequently suffered a 1-4 defeat against South Korea’s Hwacheon KSPO before going down to April 25 SC.
Finishing third in Group B with three points and a goal difference of -4, East Bengal’s qualification depended on the results and standings of the third-placed teams across the three groups. The top two third-placed sides were eligible to advance to the quarterfinals.
Uzbekistan’s Nasaf secured the best third-place position with six points. East Bengal and Myanmar’s Ayeyawady finished level on three points, but the Kolkata-based side progressed thanks to their superior goal difference of -4 compared to Ayeyawady’s -6.
The qualification carries additional significance considering the disappointment of the previous edition, when East Bengal finished third in their group but narrowly missed out on a knockout berth due to goal difference. This time, the Moshal Girls have successfully crossed that hurdle and created history.
The quarterfinals are scheduled to take place in March 2027, with the draw set to be held in December 2026.
East Bengal FC Women’s Team:
Panthoi Chanu, Sarita Yumnam, Abena Opoku, Adama Alhassan, Astam Oraon, Hitomii Tanaka, Resty Nanziri, Olivia Anonkye, Shilky Devi, Sulanjana Raul, Fazila Ikwaput
4.25 SC Women’s Team:
Yu Son-Gum, Oh Sol-Song, Jong Pok-Yong, An Kuk-Hyang, Pak Song-Gyong, Choe Il-Son, Jon Ryong-Jong, Myong Yu-Jong, Sin Pom-Hyang, Choe Song-Gyong, Ri Su-Yang
Picture Courtesy: East Bengal Media
