Who Will East Bengal FC Face in the AFC Women’s Champions League?
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Synopsis
East Bengal FC prepares for an exciting challenge in the AFC Women’s Champions League, facing tough opponents from across Asia. As they embark on this journey, fans are eager to see how the champions of the Indian Women’s League will fare in this prestigious tournament.
Key Takeaways
- East Bengal FC competes in the AFC Women’s Champions League Preliminary Stage.
- The team is up against Kitchee SC from Hong Kong and Phnom Penh Crown FC from Cambodia.
- The tournament runs from August 25 to 31.
- A total of nineteen clubs will participate in this stage.
- Five group winners will move on to the Group Stage.
Kuala Lumpur, July 3 (NationPress) East Bengal FC has been placed in Group E of the AFC Women’s Champions League Preliminary Stage, drawing fellow competitors Kitchee SC from Hong Kong and Phnom Penh Crown FC from Cambodia. This draw took place at the AFC House in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on Thursday.
As the champions of the 2024-25 Indian Women’s League (IWL), East Bengal will head to Cambodia for the Preliminary Stage, scheduled to occur in a centralized round-robin format from August 25 to 31.
A total of nineteen clubs from across the continent will participate in this Preliminary Stage, which is divided into five groups – four groups containing four teams each and one group featuring three clubs.
The five group winners will progress to the Group Stage, where they will join clubs ranked highest in the AFC Women’s Club Competition Rankings 2024-25. This includes teams like Melbourne City FC (Australia), Suwon FC Women (Korea Republic), Tokyo Verdy Beleza (Japan), the reigning champions Wuhan Jiangda Women’s FC (China), Ho Chi Minh City Women’s FC (Vietnam), Bam Khatoon FC (IR Iran), along with an as-yet-unknown club from the United Arab Emirates.
Once the Preliminary Stage concludes, a draw will take place in September to outline the structure of the Group Stage.
Draw results:
Group A: Stallion Laguna FC (PHI), ISPE WFC (MYA, H), Strykers FC (GUM), Khovd Western FC (MNG)
Group B: College of Asian Scholars (THA), PFC Nasaf (UZB, H), APF FC (NEP), Al Nassr Club (KSA)
Group C: Kelana United FC (MAS, H), Etihad Club (UAE), Lion City Sailors FC (SGP), SDYUSHOR SI – Asiagoal (KGZ)
Group D: Kaohsiung Attackers FC (TPE), Naegohyang Women’s FC (DPR), Master FC (LAO, H), RTC FC (BHU)
Group E: East Bengal FC (IND), Kitchee SC (HKG), Phnom Penh Crown FC (CAM, H)
Point of View
It’s essential to highlight the significance of East Bengal FC's participation in the AFC Women’s Champions League. This opportunity not only puts Indian women's football on the map but also showcases the talent and dedication of our athletes on a prestigious international platform.
NationPress
03/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the AFC Women’s Champions League?
The AFC Women’s Champions League is the premier club competition for women's football in Asia, featuring top teams from across the continent.
When will the Preliminary Stage take place?
The Preliminary Stage is scheduled from August 25 to 31.
Who are East Bengal FC's opponents in the group?
East Bengal FC will compete against Kitchee SC from Hong Kong and Phnom Penh Crown FC from Cambodia.
How does the group stage work?
The group stage will include five groups with the winners advancing to join other top-ranked clubs in the competition.
Why is this important for Indian women's football?
This participation highlights the growth and recognition of women's football in India and provides a platform for Indian clubs to compete internationally.
