East Bengal FC Makes History Despite Loss in AFC Women's Champions League
Historic Quarter-Final Qualification for East Bengal FC
Kolkata (West Bengal) [India] - On November 7, East Bengal FC faced a 2-0 defeat against North Korea's 4.25 SC during their final Group B match of the AFC Women’s Champions League 2026-27 in Kolkata. Despite this setback, they achieved a historic milestone by securing a spot in the quarter-finals, as reported by a sports news outlet.
The match, held at Kishore Bharati Krirangan, concluded with East Bengal finishing third in Group B, accumulating three points and a goal difference of -4. Remarkably, the Indian team advanced to the quarter-finals as one of the two best third-placed teams across all groups.
According to the tournament's structure, the top two teams from each group, along with the two best third-placed teams, qualify for the quarter-finals.
Uzbekistan's Nasaf emerged as the best third-placed team with six points, while East Bengal and Myanmar's Ayeyawady both ended with three points. East Bengal's superior goal difference of -4 allowed them to qualify over Ayeyawady, who had a goal difference of -6.
This achievement marks East Bengal as the first Indian club to reach the quarter-finals of the AFC Women’s Champions League. The quarter-final matches are set for March 2027, with the draw scheduled for December 2026.
In the match, 4.25 SC quickly took control, scoring in the second minute when Pak Ok I's cross was headed in by Han Jin Hong.
The North Korean team continued to press, with Ri Su Yang narrowly missing another goal in the 22nd minute. Jong Pom Hui nearly doubled the lead, hitting the post shortly after.
Just before halftime, 4.25 SC extended their lead. A free-kick from Pom Hui caused chaos in the East Bengal penalty area, allowing Jong Pok Yong to assist Oh Sol Song, who calmly finished into the bottom corner.
East Bengal's goalkeeper, Elangbam Panthoi, made a crucial save shortly after the break, deflecting Jong Ryong Jong's curling free-kick over the bar.
4.25 SC continued to threaten, with Oh Sol Song heading over from a cross in the 68th minute.
In the final moments, East Bengal pushed hard for a goal but could not penetrate the well-organized North Korean defense. Despite the loss, the Indian club's qualification is a significant achievement in their continental journey.