East Bengal set for historic AFC Women’s Champions League campaign in Kolkata

For East Bengal, under coach Anthony Andrews, the tournament represents an important opportunity to establish itself on the continental stage. | Photo Credit: East Bengal Media

East Bengal FC Women will start its historic AFC Women’s Champions League (AWCL) campaign against Vietnamese champion Ho Chi Minh City WFC at Kishore Bharati Stadium on Sunday, as the city hosts the group stage of the continental competition for the first time.

Fondly known as the ‘Moshal Girls’, the Indian Women’s League champions have been drawn in Group B alongside Ho Chi Minh City WFC, Korea Republic’s Hwacheon KSPO WFC and DPR Korea’s April 25 Sports Club (also known as 4.25 SC).

With two knockout-stage spots available, every match will be crucial in THE competitive group. The two best third-placed teams across all three groups will also qualify to fill the remaining slots in the eight-team quarterfinals.

East Bengal heads into the group stage on the back of an impressive qualifying campaign, having won all its preliminary-round matches, scoring 18 goals without conceding any. The record underlines the team’s attacking strength and defensive organisation, although the group stage will present a significantly tougher challenge.

In preparation for the continental competition, East Bengal has strengthened the squad with six foreign signings, combining international experience with India’s leading domestic players.

Ugandan forwards Fazila Ikwaput and Resty Nanziri are expected to add firepower to the attack, while Japanese defender Hitomi Tanaka will bring experience and stability to the backline. The tournament regulations permit clubs to register and field up to six foreign players at a time, allowing East Bengal to make full use of its overseas roster.

East Bengal’s first opponent will provide a stern test. Ho Chi Minh City WFC is among the most established sides in Southeast Asian women’s football and arrives here after winning the domestic league title.

Unlike East Bengal, which is making its second appearance in the group stage, the Vietnamese outfit has much more experience in continental competitions.

A major threat for East Bengal will be Vietnam’s all-time leading goalscorer Huynh Nhu. Her return to Ho Chi Minh City following a successful spell in European football has further strengthened the Vietnamese side.

Known for her positional awareness and finishing ability, the experienced forward will be a key player for East Bengal’s defence to contain. One of the important individual contests could well be between East Bengal’s Japanese defender Tanaka and Nhu.

East Bengal needs to remain compact, press effectively and disrupt the visitors’ rhythm to prevent them from taking control of the game. The Indian champion will be looking at the impressive scoring record in the qualifiers for confidence, but converting chances against a more experienced opponent will be essential.

The Group B league will be played in a round-robin format, with matches scheduled for November 1, 4 and 7. Each matchday will feature a double-header at Kishore Bharati Stadium, giving Kolkata football fans an opportunity to witness some of Asia’s leading women’s club sides in action.

For East Bengal, the tournament represents an important opportunity to establish itself on the continental stage. Their strong qualifying performance and revamped squad provide grounds for optimism to the Moshal Girls, but they need to show greater efficiency and discipline if they aim to book a ticket to the next stage.