East Bengal becomes first Indian club to reach AFC Women's Champions League knockout stage

East Bengal's women's football team achieved a historic feat on Saturday. According to a report by Sportstar, East Bengal has become the first Indian club to reach the knockout stage of the AFC (AFC) Women's Champions League. In the 2026-27 season, the team secured a spot in the quarter-finals by finishing among the two best third-placed teams.

In this crucial qualification match, East Bengal faced a 0-2 defeat against North Korea's 4.25 SC. The North Korean side was dominant from the very beginning of the match. In just 2 minutes, Han Jin Hong scored a header from a cross delivered from the right side by Pak Ok I, giving his team the lead.

In the 22nd minute, Pak Ok I once again provided an accurate delivery which reached Ri Su Yang. However, despite goalkeeper Panthoi Elangbam being well-positioned, Ri Su Yang's header went wide of the goal post. In the 29th minute, Pak Ok I again provided a brilliant cross that reached Jong Pom Hui, but the ball struck the goal post and went out, preventing 4.25 SC from scoring a second goal.

With two minutes remaining before half-time, confusion arose in East Bengal's box due to a free kick by Jong Pom Hui. Taking advantage of this opportunity, Jong Pok Yong took control of the ball and passed it to Oh Sol Song, who calmly sent the ball into the bottom corner to score the second goal.

In the closing stages of the match, East Bengal attempted to play more aggressively, but they could not break through the strong defence of 4.25 SC. Nevertheless, both teams have progressed to the next round based on goal difference. Earlier in this tournament, East Bengal had secured a 2-1 victory against Vietnam's Ho Chi Minh City, while facing a 1-4 defeat against South Korea's Hwacheon KSPO WFC.

East Bengal is the defending champion of the IWL. Last year, the team had narrowly missed out on reaching the knockout stage.