East Bengal’s women’s team faces exciting opponents from Hong Kong and Cambodia as they chase history in Asia’s premier women’s club competition this August.
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Historic Draw Sets Stage for Indian Football Glory
The reigning Indian Women’s League champions East Bengal FC have been drawn in Group E of the AFC Women’s Champions League 2025-26 preliminary stage, setting up fascinating clashes with international opponents that could write new chapters in Indian football history.
East Bengal have been drawn alongside Hong Kong’s Kitchee SC and Phnom Penh Crown FC of Cambodia in Group E, with matches scheduled on 25, 28 and 31 August 2025 in Cambodia.
Group E Opponents Breakdown
| Team | Country | Recent Achievement | Challenge Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| East Bengal FC | India | IWL 2024-25 Champions | Strong favorites |
| Kitchee SC | Hong Kong | 4-time Hong Kong Women’s League winners | Experienced competitors |
| Phnom Penh Crown FC | Cambodia (Hosts) | 2-time Cambodian Women’s League champions | Home advantage |
Why This Draw Matters for Indian Football
East Bengal have a golden opportunity to create history by becoming the third Indian side to make it to the group stages of the AFC Women’s Champions League. This achievement would follow in the footsteps of Gokulam Kerala and Odisha FC, who previously represented India with mixed results.
Indian Clubs’ AFC Record:
- Gokulam Kerala (2021): Finished 3rd in group stage
- Odisha FC (2024): Qualified but lost all three group matches
- East Bengal (2025): Aiming to break new ground
Analyzing the Opposition
Kitchee SC (Hong Kong) emerges as the strongest opposition, having completed a hat-trick of championships in Hong Kong women’s football. Their experience in continental competitions makes them formidable opponents for East Bengal’s women’s team.
Phnom Penh Crown FC will enjoy home advantage as tournament hosts, having won the Cambodian Women’s League twice. Their familiarity with local conditions could prove crucial in this AFC Women’s Champions League campaign.
East Bengal’s Path to Glory
Under coach Anthony Andrew’s guidance, East Bengal’s women enter this competition in excellent form. The table toppers of all five groups will secure a ticket to the most exciting group stage rounds of the AFC Women’s Champions League 2025-26.
Key Success Factors:
- Strong domestic form as IWL champions
- Experienced coaching setup
- Motivation to create Indian football history
- Quality squad depth for tournament football
Tournament Format & Implications
The preliminary stage features 19 teams divided into five groups, with East Bengal’s Group E being one of the smaller three-team groups. This format benefits the Red and Gold Brigade, requiring just two victories to secure group stage qualification.
Following the preliminary stage conclusion, a September draw will determine group stage matchups, where qualified teams join clubs from Asia’s top seven women’s football nations.
Indian Football’s Continental Ambitions
This campaign represents more than just a tournament – it’s an opportunity for Indian women’s football to establish credibility on the continental stage. Success here could inspire greater investment and development in domestic women’s football infrastructure.
East Bengal’s qualification would mark a significant milestone in India’s football journey, potentially opening doors for more consistent Asian competition participation and elevated international recognition.
Ready for kickoff? Follow East Bengal’s AFC Women’s Champions League journey as they aim to fly the Indian flag high in Cambodia this August.
