East Bengal Drawn with Champions Wuhan Jiangda in Group B of AFC Women’s Champions League

The Red and Gold Brigade has etched their name in Indian football history once again. East Bengal FC were placed alongside Wuhan Jiangda FC (China PR), Bam Khatoon FC (IR Iran) and PFC Nasaf (Uzbekistan) in Group B of the AFC Women’s Champions League Group Stage, following the draw conducted at the AFC House in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on Thursday, September 11, 2025.

This momentous occasion marks a significant leap for East Bengal Women, who have successfully navigated their maiden continental campaign to reach the prestigious group stage. The journey represents not just a club achievement, but a defining moment for Indian women’s football on the Asian stage.

East Bengal’s Path to Glory: From Kolkata to Continental Stage

East Bengal, the champions of the 2024-25 Indian Women’s League, qualified for the Group Stage in their maiden continental appearance after emerging as Group E toppers in the Preliminary Stage, ahead of Kitchee SC (Hong Kong) and Phnom Penh Crown FC (Cambodia), which was played in Cambodia last month.

The East Bengal Women squad demonstrated remarkable resilience and tactical prowess during the preliminary rounds, showcasing the growing strength of Indian women’s football. Their qualification represents a watershed moment for the club and sets a new benchmark for other Indian teams aspiring to compete at the continental level.

Group B Composition and Challenges

The draw presents both opportunities and formidable challenges for East Bengal. East Bengal FC’s biggest challenge will be Wuhan Jiangda WFC, five-time champions of the Chinese Women’s Super League and the champions of the inaugural AFC Women’s Champions League 2024-25.

Tournament Format and Structure

Twelve teams were divided into three groups for the second edition of the AFC Women’s Champions League and will battle in a centralised league format. Group B will be hosted by China’s Wuhan Jiangda WFC, who are also the defending champions, from November 17 to 23.

The centralised format ensures that all East Bengal Women matches will be played in China, providing a unique opportunity for the Indian representatives to test themselves against top-tier opposition in a neutral yet challenging environment.

East Bengal’s Match Schedule

The fixture list presents a strategic challenge, with East Bengal opening against Iran’s experienced Bam Khatoon FC before facing the defending champions Wuhan Jiangda. The final group match against PFC Nasaf could prove crucial for qualification hopes.

Analyzing the Opposition

Wuhan Jiangda WFC enters as overwhelming favorites, carrying the momentum of their inaugural championship triumph. Their domestic dominance in China’s competitive women’s league system makes them the benchmark for success in Group B.

Bam Khatoon FC brings valuable continental experience to the group. Islamic Republic of Iran’s Bam Khatoon FC are making their fourth appearance in an AFC competition and were quarter-finalists last season. Their familiarity with Asian football dynamics could pose significant tactical challenges for newer participants.

PFC Nasaf shares similarities with East Bengal in their maiden group stage appearance. PFC Nasaf are record 16-time champions of the Uzbekistan Women’s League and, like East Bengal, navigated the Preliminary Stage to qualify for the Group Stage for the first time. This parallel journey could create an intriguing dynamic between the two debutants.

Qualification Pathway and Tournament Progression

Following the Group Stage, eight clubs — the top two finishers of each group and the two overall best third-placed clubs — will advance to the Knockout Stage, with the single-leg Quarter-final pairings to be decided by a draw and played in March 2026.

The qualification structure offers multiple pathways for East Bengal Women to progress. Even a third-place finish could secure advancement if their points tally ranks among the best across all groups, providing realistic hope for continued participation.

Tournament Timeline

Strategic Implications for Indian Football

This historic participation transcends club achievements, representing a pivotal moment for Indian women’s football development. East Bengal’s presence alongside established Asian powers demonstrates the growing competitiveness of the Indian Women’s League and validates ongoing investments in women’s football infrastructure.

The exposure gained from competing against defending champions Wuhan Jiangda and experienced campaigners like Bam Khatoon will provide invaluable learning experiences for East Bengal Women players, potentially elevating the overall standard of Indian women’s football.

Complete Group Stage Draw

Group A

• Melbourne City FC (Australia)
• Ho Chi Minh City Women’s FC (Vietnam, hosts)
• Stallion Laguna FC (Philippines)
• Lion City Sailors FC (Singapore)

Group C

• Suwon FC Women (South Korea)
• Tokyo Verdy Beleza (Japan)
• Naegohyang Women’s FC (North Korea)
• ISPE WFC (Myanmar, hosts)

The diversity across all three groups reflects the growing strength and geographical spread of women’s football across Asia, with East Bengal proudly representing the Indian subcontinent in this elite competition.

Looking Ahead: Expectations and Opportunities

While East Bengal Women face formidable opposition, their journey to the group stage demonstrates capability and resilience. The centralised format in China provides an excellent opportunity to measure progress against continental standards and gain valuable experience for future campaigns.

Success in this tournament extends beyond immediate results, potentially inspiring greater investment in women’s football across India and encouraging other clubs to develop stronger women’s programs. East Bengal’s pioneering role could catalyze broader transformation in Indian women’s football landscape.

The Red and Gold Brigade’s continental adventure begins November 17th, carrying the hopes and dreams of Indian football into uncharted territory. Their performance will undoubtedly influence the trajectory of women’s football development across the subcontinent for years to come.

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