East Bengal reach AFC Women's Champions League quarter-finals despite 2-0 loss
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East Bengal became the first Indian club to reach the knockout stage of the AFC Women's Champions League, qualifying as a best third-placed team despite a 2-0 defeat to North Korea's 4.25 SC in Kolkata.
East Bengal FC have become the first Indian club to reach the knockout stage of the AFC Women's Champions League. They ended their Group B campaign in the 2026-27 edition with a 2-0 defeat to North Korean side 4.25 SC on Saturday in Kolkata, but still booked a quarter-final place.
The match was played at Salt Lake Stadium. 4.25 SC scored early and added a second goal before halftime. East Bengal pushed for a reply but could not get past the disciplined defence of the visitors, who kept a clean sheet.
East Bengal finished third in Group B. Their points tally and goal difference were enough to qualify under the tournament's rules as one of the best third-placed teams. The source says this reflected consistent performances in the earlier group matches, which kept them in contention despite the final setback.
Club officials expressed pride in the milestone and said reaching the knockout stage shows the progress of the women's programme and the potential for further growth. The quarter-final draw will determine East Bengal's next opponent. The club says training will focus on tactical adjustments and stronger defensive cohesion, and it expects official confirmations about the knockout round, along with travel and match preparations. Management says it wants to build on the achievement and advance further in the competition.
