History Made: East Bengal First Indian Club to Hit AFC Women's Champions League Quarter-Finals
East Bengal makes history as the first Indian club to reach the AFC Women's Champions League quarter-finals despite a loss to 4.25 SC.
In a landmark moment for Indian football, East Bengal has become the first-ever Indian club to secure a spot in the quarter-finals of the AFC Women's Champions League. While their final Group B encounter ended in a defeat, the Kolkata-based side managed to carve their name into the history books through a dramatic qualification battle.
A Tough Battle Against North Korean Might
Playing on home soil at the Kishore Bharati Krirangan on Saturday, East Bengal faced a formidable challenge in North Korea's 4.25 SC. The North Korean side wasted no time in asserting their dominance, striking just two minutes into the match. A precise cross from the right flank by Pak Ok I found Han Jin Hong, who powered a header into the net to give the visitors an early 1-0 lead.
The pressure remained relentless throughout the first half. In the 22nd minute, Ri Su Yang narrowly missed a header from another Pak Ok I delivery, and shortly after, Jong Pom Hui saw her effort crash against the post.
The deadlock was further broken just before the halftime whistle. A free-kick delivered by Pom Hui caused chaos within the East Bengal penalty area. Jong Pok Yong managed to recover the loose ball and set up Oh Sol Song, who calmly slotted the ball into the bottom corner to make it 2-0.
Resilience in the Second Half
East Bengal fought back with grit in the second half. Goalkeeper Elangbam Panthoi emerged as a key figure, producing a stunning save shortly after the restart to tip a curling free-kick from Jong Ryong Jong over the crossbar, preventing a third goal.
Despite 4.25 SC continuing to create chances—including a header from Oh Sol Song that flew over the bar in the 68th minute—East Bengal pushed forward in the closing stages. However, the disciplined North Korean defense remained impenetrable, and the match ended 2-0.
The Math Behind the Historic Qualification
Despite the loss, East Bengal's journey didn't end there. According to the tournament format, the top two teams from each group and the two best third-placed teams advance to the last eight.
East Bengal finished third in Group B with three points and a goal difference of -4. While Uzbekistan's Nasaf claimed the top spot among third-placed teams with six points, East Bengal found themselves tied on points with Myanmar's Ayeyawady from Group A.
The deciding factor was the goal difference. With a -4 difference, East Bengal edged out Ayeyawady, who finished with -6, thereby securing their historic place in the quarter-finals.
What's Next for East Bengal?
The club now prepares for the prestigious last-eight stage. The draw for the quarter-finals is scheduled for December 2026, with the actual matches set to take place in March 2027. This achievement marks a significant milestone in the continental campaign for the Indian club and a proud moment for women's football in India.