East Bengal Begin AFC Women’s Champions League Campaign with 4-0 Win over Rajshahi Stars

East Bengal FC Women made a commanding start to their AFC Women’s Champions League 2026-27 preliminary-stage campaign, defeating Bangladesh’s Rajshahi Stars FC 4-0 at the Likas Stadium in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia, on Monday.

The result gives the Indian champions an early advantage in Group A, where only the group winner will progress to the main stage of the continental competition. East Bengal will next face Guam’s Rovers FC on August 20 before meeting hosts Sabah FA on August 23.

The Kolkata side controlled the contest for long periods and established a three-goal cushion by half-time before adding another after the break. Olivia Anokye played a central role in the victory, scoring twice, while Astam Oraon and Soumya Guguloth were also on the scoresheet.

East Bengal began with Elangam Panthoi Chanu in goal, with Astam Oraon, Sarita Yumnam, Soumya Guguloth, Priyanka Devi Naorem, captain Shilky Devi Hemam, Abena Anoma Opoku, Sulanjana Raul, Rimpa Haldar, Adama Alhassan, and Anokye completing the starting XI.

Rajshahi Stars had the first attacking moment of the match, earning an early corner, but East Bengal dealt with the danger before gradually taking control. The breakthrough arrived in the ninth minute when East Bengal were awarded a penalty. Anokye stepped up and produced a composed finish, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way to put the Indian side 1-0 ahead.

The Ghanaian forward's early goal settled East Bengal and allowed them to play with greater confidence. The Indian side continued to press forward and looked to exploit spaces around the Rajshahi defensive line. Rajshahi briefly managed to disrupt East Bengal's rhythm, but the Kolkata side regained possession effectively in midfield and continued to create opportunities.

A free-kick in the 13th minute presented another chance to extend the lead, although the resulting header went wide. East Bengal's ability to recover the ball quickly also kept Rajshahi from building sustained attacks.

East Bengal's second goal arrived in the 26th minute, with Astam Oraon showing composure in a one-on-one situation. A superb overhead pass from midfield released Oraon into space. The forward remained patient instead of rushing her finish, waited for the right moment and calmly beat the goalkeeper to make it 2-0.

The goal reflected East Bengal's growing control of the contest. Rajshahi struggled to create clear opportunities, while East Bengal repeatedly found ways to move the ball into dangerous areas. The Indian champions entered the hydration break with a two-goal advantage and continued to threaten immediately after play resumed.

Soumya Guguloth almost added a third in the 35th minute after receiving another overhead pass, but her attempt narrowly cleared the crossbar. East Bengal did not have to wait long for the next breakthrough, however.

Anokye strikes again

In the 38th minute, East Bengal produced another quick attacking move into the box. A well-timed assist across the face of goal found Anokye, who made no mistake from close range. The Ghanaian completed her brace and gave East Bengal a 3-0 lead heading into half-time.

Rajshahi Stars had few answers to East Bengal's attacking movement in the opening half. The Bangladesh side occasionally threatened from set pieces and long-range efforts, but most of those attempts failed to trouble the Indian goalkeeper. East Bengal's three-goal advantage also allowed them to manage the second half without having to take unnecessary risks.

The second half began at a slower tempo, with Rajshahi earning a free-kick early on and East Bengal initially taking time to rebuild their attacking rhythm. East Bengal gradually increased the pressure again and, after another sustained spell of possession, found their fourth goal in the 72nd minute.

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Soumya Guguloth was once again the beneficiary of an attacking move built around an overhead pass. She moved into the box and calmly finished to make it 4-0, effectively putting the result beyond doubt. Rajshahi attempted to find a consolation goal during the final stages, but East Bengal's defense remained organized. A free-kick in the 81st minute offered the Stars an opportunity, while they also pushed forward in stoppage time.

East Bengal, however, dealt with the late pressure and continued to threaten at the other end. The Indian side nearly added a fifth in the closing minutes, but the Rajshahi goalkeeper produced an excellent save in the 85th minute. Five minutes of additional time were played, but Rajshahi could not find a way through. East Bengal comfortably saw out the contest to secure a 4-0 victory.

The victory is particularly significant given East Bengal's objective of reaching the AFC Women's Champions League group stage for a second successive season. Only the group winner will advance, making every match in the three-team group? A four-team round-robin is crucial. East Bengal has now given itself the perfect foundation with three points and a four-goal margin.

The result is also an encouraging start for a squad that entered the tournament without several key players, including Uganda international Fazila Ikwaput, who was unavailable for this preliminary round.

For now, though, East Bengal can celebrate a comprehensive opening victory. The next challenge comes on August 20, when the Indian champions face Rovers FC. They will then conclude their Group A campaign against Sabah FA on August 23.

After a four-goal opening statement, East Bengal have made their intentions clear: they are here not merely to participate, but to return to the continental main stage.