East Bengal Make History, Become First Indian Club to Reach AFC Women's Champions League Knockouts

East Bengal Women created history by becoming the first club from India to qualify for the knockout rounds of the AFC Women's Champions League. The Moshal Girls progressed to the quarter-finals on goal difference despite suffering a 2-0 defeat against North Korean outfit 4.25 SC in their final Group B fixture.

The qualification scenario was finely balanced heading into the final set of matches. East Bengal had to ensure that they did not lose by more than three goals against the North Korean side after Bam Khatoon suffered a 3-0 defeat against Myanmar's Ayeyawady FC.

The Burmese club finished with a goal difference of -6, which meant East Bengal had to keep their defeat within the stipulated margin to stay ahead in the race for qualification. North Korea made a quick start, opening the scoring in the second minute before doubling their lead in the 43rd minute.

East Bengal conceded twice in the first half and had a difficult second half ahead against one of the strongest sides in the competition. However, the Moshal Girls were outstanding defensively after half-time, not allowing 4.25 SC to score any further goals.

Adama Alhassan, Abena Opoku, Shilky Devi and Sushmita Lepcha were among the standout performers, while goalkeeper Panthoi Chanu made crucial saves to ensure that East Bengal maintained the required goal difference. Speaking at the post-match press conference, East Bengal coach Anthony Andrews admitted that he had almost given up hope of qualification at half-time.

"I had already given up hope of qualification after the first half, but the girls showed why we are here. The character was tremendous," Andrews said.

He also highlighted the need for better organisation and greater commitment towards women's football in India. Citing the South Korean Women's League as an example, he urged the federation to strengthen the country's top-tier women's competition.

"The federation should treat its top-tier women's league much more seriously," he added. "Take the example of the South Korean Women's League, where eight teams play each other four times, making it 28 matches in a season.

The knockout stage will be played in a single-leg format, with the semi-finals and final taking place at a centralised venue. The draw will be held in January 2027."