East Bengal FC Women created history on Saturday by becoming the first Indian club to qualify for the AFC Women’s Champions League quarter-finals. The team, also known as the ‘Moshal Girls’, secured the historic spot despite suffering a 2-0 defeat against North Korean side 4.25 SC in their final Group B fixture in Kolkata.
East Bengal finished third in Group B with three points and a goal difference of -4. They advanced to the knockout stage as one of the two top third-placed sides from the three sections. Uzbekistan’s Nasaf claimed the top spot among third-placed teams with six points, while East Bengal and Group A’s Ayeyawady of Myanmar were level on three points. East Bengal secured their spot due to their better goal difference of -4 compared to Ayeyawady’s -6.
North Korea’s Dominant Display
4.25 SC took an early lead, scoring in the second minute when Han Jin-Hong converted a powerful header from a cross by Pak Ok I. They extended their lead just before half-time when Oh Sol-Song finished calmly into the bottom corner after a goalmouth scramble from a free-kick by Jong Pom Hui. The North Korean side dominated the match, enjoying 70 percent of the possession and registering eight attempts on goal in the first half alone, compared to East Bengal’s two.
Despite the defeat, East Bengal goalkeeper Elangbam Panthoi Chanu made crucial saves to keep the scoreline respectable and preserve her team’s qualification hopes. The Indian club held firm in the second half, preventing 4.25 SC from adding to their tally.
A Historic Milestone for Indian Football
This achievement marks a significant milestone for Indian women’s football. East Bengal’s qualification as the second-best third-placed team comes after a finely balanced qualification scenario. The club knew it had to avoid a heavy defeat to remain in contention after other results, including Myanmar’s Ayeyawady finishing with a goal difference of -6.
Speaking at the post-match press conference, East Bengal coach Anthony Andrews praised his team’s character. I had already given up hope of qualification after the first half, but the girls showed why we are here. The character was tremendous,
he said. He also urged the federation to treat the top-tier women’s league more seriously, citing the South Korean Women’s League as an example.
Last-Eight Matches Scheduled for March
The quarter-final matches are scheduled to be held in March 2027, with the draw taking place in December 2026. The last-eight games will be played in a single-leg format, with teams seeded based on their group stage performances. The three group winners and the best second-placed team will host their matches, and teams from the same group will not be drawn against each other.
