Kolkata, August 24: Indian football history is set to witness another proud chapter as Emami East Bengal FC Women begin their journey in the AFC Women’s Champions League 2025–26 preliminary stage from tomorrow in Cambodia.

After clinching a historic championship in the 2024–25 season, winning the Indian Women’s League (IWL) the Moshal Girls have earned the honor of representing India at the continental stage. They become the second-ever Indian women’s side to feature in the AFC competition, following Odisha FC Women’s participation in the previous edition.

Placed in Group E, East Bengal FC will face some tough regional challengers, all matches will be played in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, from August 25 to 31, 2025.

Group E:

East Bengal FC (IND)
Kitchee SC (HKG)
Phnom Penh Crown FC (CAM), Hosts.

East Bengal FC’s Group Schedule:

August 25: Phnom Penh Crown FC (CAM) vs East Bengal FC.

August 28: Kitchee SC (HKG) vs Phnom Penh Crown FC (CAM).

August 31: East Bengal FC vs Kitchee SC (HKG).

To gear up for the continental challenge, East Bengal Women have strengthen their squad with proven winners. The club announced the signing of Ugandan striker Fazila Ikwaput, a two-time IWL Golden Boot winner, along with Indian internationals midfielder Shilky Devi and keeper Payal Basude, all joining from Gokulam Kerala FC.

In addition, the club has extended contracts of 14 key players from last season, including Indian national team, Panthoi Chanu, Soumya Guguloth, Sandhiya Ranganathan, and Resty Nanziri, ensuring the squad retains its winning core under the guidance of head coach Anthony Andrews.

The ‘Mosal Girls’, as East Bengal FC Women are affectionately called, carry the pride of Indian women’s football into Asia’s most prestigious club competition. With their attacking firepower, experienced defense, and passionate fan support traveling across borders, the Red & Gold Brigade will look to leave a mark.

Having already created history by winning their maiden IWL title, East Bengal FC Women now aim to extend that success onto the continental stage, as they step out tomorrow to write another golden chapter in the club’s illustrious history.