East Bengal are on the brink of making history as they prepare to become the first Indian club to reach the quarter-finals of the AFC Women’s Champions League. The side begins its Group B campaign against Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh City WFC at the Kishore Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata on Sunday evening.
India is hosting the continental competition’s group stage for the very first time, giving the home side a unique opportunity to perform in familiar conditions. Following their opening fixture against the Vietnamese champions, East Bengal will face South Korea’s Hwacheon KSPO WFC on November 4 and conclude their group matches against North Korea’s 4.25 SC on November 7.
Tournament Format and Qualification Path
The continental tournament features twelve participating clubs spread across three groups, all fighting for eight available quarter-final berths. Progression to the knockout rounds is secured by the three group winners, the three group runners-up, and the two best third-placed teams across the entire group stage.
- East Bengal qualified for the Group Stage for the second successive year after dominating Group A in the preliminary stage in Malaysia.
- The team maintained a flawless record in the qualifiers, defeating Rajshahi Stars, Rovers FC, and Sabah FA.
- Head coach Anthony Andrews’ squad enters the competition riding an impressive eight-match unbeaten run in international fixtures.
- Ghanaian forward Olivia Anokye leads the attacking unit after netting five goals during the preliminary qualifying round.
Rigorous Preparation and Squad Depth
Entering the tournament on the back of a historic domestic treble that included the Indian Women’s League and the Calcutta Women’s Football League, the club has bolstered its squad significantly. New additions include Japanese player Hitomi Tanaka alongside Ghanaian internationals Adama Alhassan and Abigail Antwi, adding vital experience alongside core domestic stars like Rimpa Haldar and Sathi Debnath.
To bridge the physical and pacing gap required for top-tier continental football, the team undertook extensive preparations over the past two months. This included playing regular practice matches against under-15 and under-17 boys’ sides to adapt to the high-intensity tempo expected against elite Asian opposition.
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