Kota Kinabalu [Malaysia], August 23 : East Bengal FC staved off Sabah FA (Malaysia) to clinch a 2-0 win and earn a place in the AFC Women's Champions League 2026-27 Group Stage at the Likas Stadium in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia, on Sunday, according to the AIFF.
Second-half goals from Olivia Anokye and Soumya Guguloth settled a keenly fought contest, with East Bengal finishing top of Group A with maximum points. The IWL champions had earlier beaten Rajshahi Stars FC (Bangladesh) 4-0 and Rovers FC (Guam) 12-0, and have become the first Indian club to make back-to-back appearances in the AFC Women's Champions League Group Stage.
With so much at stake, the game endured a nervy start before Sabah started creating chances with Misaki Nakayama's half-volley sailing over in the 21st minute.
Two minutes later, the hosts spurned a great chance to take the lead after Mai-Lisa Atis produced a first-time cross from the right to an unmarked Enzi Broussard, who unfortunately scuffed her attempt with only Panthoi Chanu Elangbam to beat.
It was a more even affair in the second half, with Juliana Barek slaloming her way into the box on the right, but she could only place her attempted chip on the roof of the net.
Soumya broke down the right flank in the 55th minute and crossed for Sulanjana Raul, who powered a header which the Sabah custodian Junaidi turned away.
East Bengal were building momentum, and Olivia was next to have an opening, running away from Steffi before being prevented by a brave Junaidi block.
Olivia, however, wasn't to be denied in the 67th minute as she latched onto Sulanjana's through pass and bested Siti Nurfaizah for pace before knocking the ball past Junaidi on the second attempt.
The Moshal Girls made sure of the win in the 87th minute, with substitute Rimpa Haldar crossing for the oncoming Soumya to rifle the ball home.
The AFC Women's Champions League 2026-27 Group Stage will be played in centralised locations from November 1 to 7, 2026. East Bengal will know their opponents when the draw takes place on September 3.