AFC Women’s Champions League 2025-26: East Bengal’s Campaign Ends
The AFC Women’s Champions League 2025-26 campaign for Indian club East Bengal came to a disappointing end as they were defeated 3-0 by Uzbekistan’s PFC Nasaf. The Group B clash took place at the Hankou Culture Sports Centre in Wuhan, China, with Nasaf securing the decisive win to cement their position in the group and advance to the knockout rounds. East Bengal, despite showing moments of fight, could not find the back of the net and exit the competition after their final group match.
Match Context and Group Standing
Group B of the AFC Women’s Champions League featured a mix of seasoned clubs and rising teams from across the region. East Bengal faced Nasaf in a crucial encounter, knowing a win would keep their hopes of advancing alive. Nasaf’s victory not only gave them three valuable points but also reinforced their status as a tough opponent on the continental stage. With the result, East Bengal’s tournament ended, while Nasaf progressed to the knockout phase alongside the group leaders, pending the outcomes of other matches in the group.
East Bengal’s Performance
East Bengal started with intent, pressing high and looking to disrupt Nasaf’s build-up play. As the match wore on, gaps began to appear defensively, allowing Nasaf to exploit counter-attacks. Although the Indian squad showed grit and organization, they couldn’t convert chances into goals, and a 0-3 scoreline reflected the balance of play on the day. The experience of competing at this level is valuable for the players and staff, even as they absorbed a tough lesson on match management and finishing under pressure.
Nasaf’s Tactical Setup
Nasaf approached the game with a structured game plan, combining disciplined defense with swift transitions. Their trio of forwards, supported by a mid-to-low block, managed to carve out opportunities and capitalize on East Bengal’s defensive vulnerabilities. The clean sheet underlined Nasaf’s defensive resolve while their forward line took advantage of chances to seal the victory. Such performances are emblematic of Nasaf’s growing strength in East Asia’s women’s club competition.
Implications for East Bengal and the Road Ahead
For East Bengal, the exit from the AFC Women’s Champions League means several learnings ahead of turning the page to domestic duties and potential future international campaigns. The team can build on positives—such as resilience in the early stages of the match and moments of coordinated attacking play—while identifying areas in need of improvement, particularly in converting chances and maintaining concentration against breakaways.
Coaching staff and players will likely reassess tactical approaches, training regimens, and squad depth to compete more effectively in subsequent continental campaigns. The experience of facing different playing styles—from quick counter-attacks to organized backlines—can inform development plans and help nurture younger talents into robust, international-ready players.
What This Means for the Competition
Nasaf’s performance reinforces the competitiveness of the AFC Women’s Champions League, where teams from Central Asia continue to rise and establish credibility on a continental stage. The tournament’s format rewards consistency over the course of group play, and Nasaf’s capability to win a high-stakes group game bodes well for their prospects in later rounds. For fans, the result highlights the depth of talent across the region and the growing visibility of women’s club football in Asia.
Looking Forward
As the season progresses, East Bengal supporters will hope their side returns stronger and more cohesive, leveraging the lessons from Wuhan. The AFC Women’s Champions League remains a proving ground for clubs to widen their horizons, attract new talent, and elevate the profile of women’s football in India. With continued investment, development programs, and continued exposure to top-level competition, East Bengal could be ready to challenge again in future editions.
