East Bengal FC Faces Kitchee SC and Phnom Penh Crown in AFC Women’s Champions League 2025-26

East Bengal FC, one of India's prominent football clubs, has been placed in Group E for the preliminary round of the AFC Women’s Champions League 2025-26. The group features two other teams: Kitchee SC from Hong Kong and Phnom Penh Crown FC from Cambodia. The official draw took place at the AFC House in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, highlighting the growing participation of Asian football clubs in international competitions.

The AFC Women’s Champions League serves as a critical platform for women's football in Asia, providing teams with the opportunity to showcase their talents on a continental stage. According to the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), the tournament aims to elevate the standard of women's football across the region, encouraging more clubs to invest in female talent.

East Bengal FC, established in 1920 and based in Kolkata, has a rich history in Indian football, with numerous national titles to its name. The club's participation in the AFC Women’s Champions League marks a significant milestone, as it seeks to expand its reach beyond domestic competitions. The team has made considerable investments in developing its women's football program, reflecting a broader trend among Indian clubs to promote gender equality in sports.

In contrast, Kitchee SC has been a formidable force in Hong Kong's football scene, consistently performing well in domestic leagues and cup competitions. The club has also made strides in advancing women's football, with a focus on youth development and professional opportunities for female athletes. Similar to East Bengal, Kitchee’s participation in the league represents an important step in enhancing the visibility of women's football in Hong Kong.

Phnom Penh Crown FC, representing Cambodia, has also been instrumental in fostering football talent within the country. The club is known for its commitment to youth development and has a successful women's team that competes in the Cambodian League. Their inclusion in this prestigious tournament underscores the growing competitiveness of women's football in Southeast Asia.

As the tournament approaches, all eyes will be on East Bengal FC as they prepare to face their Group E rivals. The matches are not only crucial for the clubs involved but also for the future of women's football in their respective regions. With increased investment and support, clubs like East Bengal, Kitchee, and Phnom Penh Crown are poised to inspire a new generation of female footballers.

The AFC Women’s Champions League 2025-26 preliminary stage is set to commence in early 2025, with exact dates and venues to be announced soon. Stakeholders from all participating clubs are optimistic about the tournament's potential to enhance the profile of women's football, fostering greater interest and support across Asia.