East Bengal Women Begin AFC Women’s Champions League Campaign with 4-0 Win

East Bengal FC made a शानदार start to their AFC Women’s Champions League 2026-27 campaign, defeating Bangladesh’s Rajshahi Stars FC 4-0 in their preliminary-stage opener at the Likas Stadium in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia.

Olivia Anokye starred with a brace (9’, 38’), while Rimpa Haldar (26’) and Soumya Guguloth (72’) also found the net as East Bengal dominated from the opening whistle.

Anokye opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the ninth minute. Haldar then doubled the advantage in the 26th minute before Anokye completed her brace just before half-time following a well-worked move involving Sulanjana Raul.

Rajshahi showed greater resistance after the break, but East Bengal’s organised defence kept them at bay. Goalkeeper Elangbam Panthoi also made an important save from Monika Chakma’s long-range effort.

East Bengal sealed the emphatic victory in the 72nd minute when Soumya Guguloth finished after Raul capitalised on a defensive mistake.

The victory gives the Moshal Girls three points from their opening Group A fixture. East Bengal will next face Rovers FC of Guam on Thursday, followed by Sabah FA of Malaysia on Sunday.

The reigning Indian Women’s League champions are making their second appearance in AFC competition. Last season, East Bengal became the first Indian club to record a victory in the AFC Women’s Champions League.