Phnom Penh, 30 August 2025:
East Bengal FC, the reigning champions of the Indian Women’s League (IWL), are on the verge of making history as they face Hong Kong’s Kitchee SC in their second and final Group E match of the AFC Women’s Champions League Preliminary Stage.
Set to take place at Phnom Penh’s National Sports Complex of Cambodia tomorrow evening (Kickoff – 5.30 PM IST), it’s a crucial fixture for the Red & Gold women, with a spot in the tournament’s Group Stage at stake. A draw on Sunday will take the Kolkata-based club through to the next round, which will be their maiden qualification into the Group Stage of Asia’s premier club competition.
After a hard-fought 1-0 win over hosts Phnom Penh Crown FC, thanks to Ugandan forward Fazila Ikwaput’s 70th minute strike at the same venue last Monday, EBFC Women are in pole position to advance to the Group Stage, but Kitchee SC will pose a formidable challenge after drawing 3-3 against Phnom Penh Crown FC in the second Preliminary Stage match of this group on Thursday.
Despite registering a narrow victory in the Group E opener, EBFC Women created multiple chances and showcased defensive solidity. The win has placed the ‘Moshal Girls’ at the top of the Group E points table.
Kitchee SC, meanwhile, are coming off a dramatic match against Phnom Penh Crown FC, where they scored in the stoppage time to keep their qualification hopes alive.
Speaking on the eve of the all-important Preliminary Stage Group E decider, EBFC Women’s Head Coach Anthony Andrews said, “We will head into this game with a positive approach and intent. We lacked efficiency in some areas in the first game. However, we have got enough time to recover. We are aware of the threats posed by Kitchee. That said, we are ready with our plans and are determined to win this game for our countrymen back home.”
The three-time IWL-winning coach added, “We are very grateful to the Embassy of India in Phnom Penh and the Indian community here in Cambodia for backing us in the first game. That really helped us win the match. We are looking forward to their support on Sunday.”
The match can be streamed live on the BTV Asian Sports Live Facebook page
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