From IWL glory to Asia’s grand stage – East Bengal Women march into the AFC Women’s Champions League group stage for the very first time.
A new chapter has been written in Indian women’s football history as East Bengal FC’s women’s team secured qualification to the AFC Women’s Champions League 2025-26 main draw for the very first time.
On a humid Sunday evening at the National Sports Complex in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, the Moshal Girls Brigade held their nerve to earn a 1-1 draw against Hong Kong China’s Kitchee SC in their final Group E preliminary clash – a result that was enough to seal their passage to Asia’s biggest stage in club football.
Needing just a point to progress, East Bengal struck early through India international Sangita Basfore, who finished with composure in the ninth minute after a brilliant assist from Ugandan forward Fazila Ikwaput, the scorer of their match-winning goal in the opener against Phnom Penh Crown FC. The goal sparked joy on the touchline, as head coach Anthony Andrews urged his players to stay calm and disciplined.
Kitchee, however, refused to bow out quietly. After being second best for much of the first half, they struck back in the 59th minute through Ho Mui Mei, making the final half-hour a tense battle. Every clearance, every interception, and every save from East Bengal carried the weight of history – with the defenders and goalkeeper putting their bodies on the line to protect the all-important draw.
When the referee finally blew the full-time whistle, the East Bengal bench erupted in celebration. For a team that lifted the Indian Women’s League (IWL) last season and carried the hopes of millions of supporters, this was more than just qualification – it was proof that Indian women’s football is ready to stand tall at the continental level.
The preliminary stage of the 2025-26 AFC Women’s Champions League (AWCL) featured 19 teams divided into five groups. Only the group winners and one best runner-up were guaranteed progression to the main draw, where they will join six directly qualified teams from the top-ranked AFC nations. By finishing top of Group E with four points from two matches, East Bengal ensured direct passage.
This will be only the second edition of the AWCL, which was launched in 2024-25. Last season, Odisha FC represented India and made it to the group stage before bowing out. This time, it will be East Bengal’s turn to carry the tricolor when the 12-team main draw kicks off from November 9 to 23, 2025.
For East Bengal, a club steeped in tradition and history, this milestone adds another jewel to their crown. But for Indian women’s football, it is a moment of pride and inspiration – a reminder that the gap with Asia’s elite can be closed, step by step, with determination and belief.
The Moshal Girls have made history, and as they prepare for the challenges ahead, they will carry with them the hopes of a nation eager to see its women shine on Asia’s grandest stage.
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