Will East Bengal Triumph Against Defending Champions Wuhan Jiangda in the AFC Women's Champions League?
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Synopsis
In an exciting matchup, East Bengal FC finds itself in Group B of the AFC Women’s Champions League alongside the formidable Wuhan Jiangda. This marks East Bengal's first venture into the continental arena, creating immense anticipation for their performance against seasoned champions.
Key Takeaways
- East Bengal FC enters the AFC Women’s Champions League for the first time.
- They are drawn in Group B with Wuhan Jiangda Women’s FC, the defending champions.
- The tournament runs from November 9 to 23, 2025.
- East Bengal achieved qualification by topping their preliminary group.
- The knockout stage will feature the best-performing teams from the group stage.
Kuala Lumpur, Sep 11 (NationPress) East Bengal FC has been drawn into Group B alongside the reigning champions Wuhan Jiangda Women’s FC from China in the AFC Women’s Champions League Group Stage, as announced during the draw held at the AFC House on Thursday.
A total of twelve teams have been categorized into three groups for the second edition of the AFC Women's Champions League, and they will compete in a centralized league format from November 9 to 23.
Having emerged as Group E leaders in the Preliminary Stage, East Bengal, the champions of the 2024-25 Indian Women’s League, qualified for the Group Stage in their first-ever continental appearance, surpassing Kitchee SC (Hong Kong) and Phnom Penh Crown FC (Cambodia) during matches held in Cambodia last month.
Group B includes Wuhan Jiangda Women’s FC (hosts), Bam Khatoon FC from Iran, East Bengal FC from India, and PFC Nasaf from Uzbekistan.
The main challenge for East Bengal FC will be Wuhan Jiangda WFC, who are five-time champions of the Chinese Women's Super League and winners of the inaugural AFC Women's Champions League 2024-25.
Bam Khatoon FC is making their fourth appearance in an AFC tournament and reached the quarter-finals last season, while PFC Nasaf boasts a record 16 titles in the Uzbekistan Women's League and, like East Bengal, successfully navigated the Preliminary Stage to qualify for the Group Stage for the first time.
The matches in the group stage will take place in Myanmar from November 9 to 15, followed by games in Vietnam scheduled for November 13 to 19, and fixtures in China from November 17 to 23.
After the group stage, eight teams— the top two from each group and the two best third-placed teams— will progress to the Knockout Stage. The single-leg quarter-final matchups will be drawn and are set to be played in March 2026.
Centralized semi-finals and finals are slated for May 20 to 23, 2026.
AFC Women's Champions League 2025-26 Group Stage Draw:
Group A: Melbourne City FC (AUS), Ho Chi Minh City Women’s FC (VIE, hosts), Stallion Laguna FC (PHI), Lion City Sailors FC (SGP)
Group B: Wuhan Jiangda Women’s FC (CHN, hosts), Bam Khatoon FC (IRN), East Bengal FC (IND), PFC Nasaf (UZB)
Group C: Suwon FC Women (KOR), Tokyo Verdy Beleza (JPN), Naegohyang Women’s FC (PRK), ISPE WFC (MYA, hosts)
Point of View
It is crucial to recognize the significance of East Bengal's entry into the AFC Women’s Champions League. This endeavor not only amplifies the visibility of women's football in India but also showcases the competitive spirit of our teams on an international platform. The national pride is at stake, and we stand with East Bengal as they confront formidable opponents.
NationPress
12/09/2025
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 various countries competing for the title.
How did East Bengal qualify for the AFC Women's Champions League?
East Bengal qualified by finishing as the top team in Group E during the Preliminary Stage of the tournament.
When will the group stage matches take place?
The group stage matches are scheduled from November 9 to 23, 2025.
Who are the other teams in Group B?
Group B includes Wuhan Jiangda Women’s FC, Bam Khatoon FC, and PFC Nasaf.
What is the format of the tournament?
The tournament features a group stage followed by knockout rounds, culminating in a final to determine the champion.
