East Bengal Women Seal AFC Women’s Champions League Qualification with 2–0 Win over Sabah FC

Kota Kinabalu, August 23, 2026: East Bengal FC Women produced another impressive performance to defeat hosts Sabah FC 2–0 in their final Group A preliminary-stage match of the AFC Women’s Champions League 2026–27 on Sunday, completing the round with a perfect record and securing their place in the main draw.

After a goalless first half, the Moshal Girls stepped up the pressure after the break. Ghanaian forward Olivia Anokye broke the deadlock in the 67th minute, producing a brilliant individual effort before firing the ball into the net. Anokye had already scored twice in East Bengal’s previous 12–0 demolition of Rovers FC.

East Bengal continued to dominate after taking the lead and finally sealed the victory in the 88th minute. Soumya Guguloth finished first-time to double the advantage and put the result beyond doubt.

The victory completed a remarkable preliminary campaign for East Bengal. They began with a 4–0 win over Bangladesh’s Rajshahi Stars FC, followed by a historic 12–0 victory over Guam’s Rovers FC, before overcoming Sabah FC 2–0.

The three wins gave East Bengal a perfect record and underlined their growing stature in Asian women’s football.

The qualification also marks successive AFC Women’s Champions League group-stage appearances for East Bengal. Last season, the Kolkata club became the first Indian side to win a group-stage match in the competition.

East Bengal have now achieved a unique feat this season, with both their men’s and women’s teams reaching the AFC group stages. Earlier on Sunday, the men’s team lifted the Durand Cup, securing their place in the AFC Champions League Two 2026–27 main stage.

The 12-team AFC Women’s Champions League main draw will be conducted in September, with the group-stage matches scheduled to begin in November.