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Key Points

East Bengal has made history by advancing to the group stage of the AFC Women's Champions League. They secured their spot with a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Hong Kong's Kitchee SC in their final qualifier. The Indian club took an early lead through Sangita before Kitchee equalized in the second half. Despite the draw, East Bengal accumulated enough points to progress to the next round.

Key Points: East Bengal Advance to AFC Women's Champions League Group Stage

  • East Bengal finished with four points to secure group stage qualification
  • Kitchee needed victory but fell short with two points
  • Fazila Ikwaput provided crucial assist for opening goal
  • Goalkeeper Panthoi Chanu made key saves to preserve result
2 min read

East Bengal seal AFC Women's Champions League Group Stage spot with a draw against Kitchee

East Bengal seals AFC Women's Champions League group stage spot with 1-1 draw against Kitchee SC, advancing despite final match stalemate in qualifiers.

"A winner, however, eluded the Hong Kong side as East Bengal took their place in the Group Stage draw on September 11. - AIFF Report"

Phnom Penh, September 1

East Bengal advanced to the Group Stage of the AFC Women's Champions League 2025-26 despite being held to a 1-1 draw by Kitchee SC of Hong Kong, China in their final Qualifiers Group E tie on Sunday.

The draw moved East Bengal to four points, with Kitchee two behind and out of contention for a group stage spot, as per the official website of All India Football Federation (AIFF).

Kitchee, who needed victory to seal their spot, enjoyed early possession while East Bengal deployed the same strategy they did on Matchday One, with Soumya Guguloth and Fazila Ikwaput making runs through the centre.

East Bengal's pressure paved the way for the opener in the ninth minute when Ikwaput set up Sangita nicely, with the midfielder slotting past Leung Wai Nga.

The Hong Kong side tried to force their way back but were stopped by the reflexes of East Bengal keeper Elangbam Panthoi Chanu.

Kitchee started the second half aggressively and levelled the tie just before the hour mark through Ho Mui Mei.

A winner, however, eluded the Hong Kong side as East Bengal took their place in the Group Stage draw on September 11.

Earlier in the tournament, a second-half strike from Fazila Ikwaput steered East Bengal FC to a 1-0 win over Phnom Penh Crown FC of Cambodia in their opening AFC Women's Champions League 2025-26 Preliminary Stage Group E tie at the National Sports Complex of Cambodia.

The Red and Gold Brigade will take on Hong Kong's Kitchee SC on August 31, where a win will secure their spot in the AFC Women's Champions League Group Stage.

Both sides had equal chances to take the lead, but it was East Bengal who came closest to scoring.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Great result but we really need to work on maintaining leads. Conceding in the second half has been a pattern. Still, history made! Congratulations to the entire team 🎉
A
Arjun K
Elangbam Panthoi Chanu was the real hero today! Her saves kept us in the game when Kitchee was pressing hard. Goalkeepers don't always get the credit they deserve.
S
Sarah B
As a football fan from the UK, it's great to see Indian women's football making strides internationally. The AFC Champions League exposure will do wonders for their development. Well done East Bengal!
V
Vikram M
Finally some positive news for Indian football! Hope this inspires more young girls to take up the sport. The government should invest more in women's football infrastructure.
M
Michael C
Impressive performance away from home. Playing in Cambodia and getting results shows mental strength. Looking forward to seeing them in the group stage against tougher opponents!

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