East Bengal Women will host Group B in Kolkata from November 1–7, facing champions from Vietnam, Korea Republic and DPR Korea.
Kolkata, September 3: The stage is set for East Bengal Women as the successful defending champions of India are all set to host the AFC Women’s Champions League 2026-27 Group Stage in Kolkata. The draw for the competition was held today, with the Moshal Girls learning their three opponents for the continental battle.
East Bengal Women have been drawn in Group B alongside Hwacheon KSPO WFC of Korea Republic, Ho Chi Minh City WFC of Vietnam and 4.25 SC of DPR Korea.
With Kolkata set to host the entire Group B from November 1 to 7, East Bengal will have the advantage of playing in front of their home supporters. It will also be a special occasion as India will host the AFC Women’s Champions League Group Stage for the first time.
The Indian champions have reached the Group Stage for the second consecutive season after making their way through the Preliminary Stage in Malaysia dominantly with all three win. East Bengal Women’s topped their group after winning against Rajshahi Stars FC, Rovers FC and Sabah FA, booking their place among Asia’s top women’s clubs once again, also came with record of 12–0 win by the first Indian club in this stage of Asian competition.
But the challenge in the Group Stage will be a much bigger one, with three champions from different countries waiting for the Indian side.
Know your opponents:
Hwacheon KSPO WFC
Hwacheon KSPO will arrive in Kolkata as the 2025 WK League champions. The Korean side secured their first-ever league title after defeating Seoul City 7-5 on aggregate in the final.
Their domestic success makes them one of the strongest opponents in the group and East Bengal will have to be at their best when they face the Korean champions.
Ho Chi Minh City WFC
Ho Chi Minh City WFC already have experience of playing at the highest level of Asian women’s football. The Vietnamese side reached the semi-finals of the inaugural AFC Women’s Champions League.
They also produced one of the biggest comebacks of the tournament in the quarter-finals. After falling 3-0 behind against Abu Dhabi Country Club, Ho Chi Minh City fought back to win the match 5-4 and book their place in the last four.
Their campaign eventually ended in the semi-finals against Wuhan Jiangda, but their performance showed the quality and experience they possess on the continental stage.
4.25 SC
The DPR Korean champions have already made a strong statement in this season’s competition. During the Preliminary Stage, 4.25 SC won all three of their matches, scoring 29 goals and conceding only once.
They started their campaign with a huge 13-0 victory over Kharaatsai FC, followed by another dominant 12-0 win against S’Amuser FC before finishing the group with a 4-1 victory over College of Asian Scholars.
4.25 SC are also the DPR Korea Women’s Premier League champions, meaning East Bengal will be facing champions from four different countries in Group B.
East Bengal Women will begin their Group Stage campaign against Ho Chi Minh City WFC on November 1. They will then face Hwacheon KSPO WFC on November 4, before completing their group campaign against 4.25 SC on November 7.
The draw has present a contested group, but the Indian champions will have one major advantage on their side, home support.
After reaching the Group Stage for the second consecutive season, the Moshal Girls will now look to make the most of the opportunity in Kolkata and put up a strong challenge against some of Asia’s best women’s football clubs. Asia was calling, and the Moshal Girls have answered, not just waiting anymore, they have brought Asia home to Kolkata.
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