East Bengal Women Kick Off AFC Champions League Campaign with Dominant 4-0 Victory

East Bengal FC women's team has made a thunderous start to their AFC Women's Champions League 2026-27 journey, netting an emphatic 4-0 victory over Bangladesh's Rajshahi Stars FC in their preliminary stage opener on Monday. Ghanaian midfielder Olivia Anokye led the charge with a brilliant brace, while Indian talents Rimpa Haldar and Soumya Guguloth also found the back of the net, signaling a strong intent from the 'Moshal Girls' in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia. This commanding win is a significant marker for East Bengal, who are making their second appearance in Asia's top club competition after clinching the 2025-26 Indian Women's League title. Last season, they etched history as the first Indian club to secure a win in the AWCL group stages. Rajshahi Stars, on the other hand, were on their continental debut, featuring a squad with many Bangladesh national team players. The preliminary stage is crucial, as only the winners from the six groups will advance to the main group stage later this year, joining six teams who have already qualified directly. With three vital points in their kitty from this Group A clash, coach Anthony Andrews' side will now turn their focus to their next challenges. East Bengal is set to face Guam's Rovers FC on Thursday, followed by a match against hosts Sabah FA from Malaysia on Sunday, both at the Likas Stadium. Their goal remains clear: top their group and secure a spot in the main tournament, further elevating Indian women's football on the continental stage.