East Bengal FC Shatters Records with Stupendous 12-0 Victory in AFC Women’s Champions League Qualifiers
NEW DELHI – East Bengal FC has etched its name into the annals of Indian football history, achieving an unprecedented 12-0 victory over Guam’s Rovers FC in the AFC Women’s Champions League 2026-27 preliminary stage. This monumental win, secured on Thursday, not only marks a dominant performance but also establishes a new benchmark for Indian clubs in Asian competitions.
The emphatic triumph by the "Moshal Girls" now stands as the largest-ever victory by an Indian club on the Asian stage, eclipsing a long-standing record held by East Bengal’s own men’s team. That previous record was a 9-0 win against Club Valencia of the Maldives in the 1985-86 Asian Club Championship, a testament to the sheer scale of this new achievement.
This commanding result represents East Bengal’s second consecutive win in the preliminary stage of the tournament. The reigning Indian Women’s League champions are now just one victory away from securing a coveted spot in the group stage. Their next crucial encounter will be against Malaysia’s Sabah FA on Sunday, where a win will solidify their place among Asia’s elite.
Early Breakthrough Unleashes a Goal Fest
East Bengal wasted no time in asserting their dominance from the opening whistle. The scoring spree began in the sixth minute when Priyangka Devi Naorem unleashed a powerful shot from outside the box that ricocheted off the left post before finding the back of the net.
The pressure continued as Rovers FC goalkeeper Jae Almonte fumbled Anju Chanu Kayenpaibam’s effort in the 15th minute, allowing Astam Oraon to pounce on the rebound and double East Bengal’s lead. Priyangka Devi then netted her second of the match just seven minutes later, skillfully breaking into the box and lobbing the ball over the advancing Almonte, giving her team a comfortable 3-0 advantage.
Relentless Attack Continues Post-Interval
The IWL champions showed no signs of complacency after the halftime break, maintaining their relentless attacking momentum. In the 48th minute, Sulanjana Raul’s cross took a fortuitous deflection, falling perfectly for Olivia Anokye, who slotted it home from close range. A minute later, Soumya Guguloth delivered a perfectly weighted cross that Abigail Antwi met with a precise header, extending the lead to 5-0.
Record Shattered as Goals Keep Pouring In
The floodgates remained wide open as East Bengal continued to dismantle the Rovers FC defense. Almonte managed to parry Shilky Devi Hemam’s curling effort in the 51st minute, but Sulanjana was quickest to react, converting the rebound to make it 6-0. Shilky Devi then got her deserved goal five minutes later, curling a magnificent shot from just outside the box into the top-left corner.
Olivia Anokye secured her brace in the 58th minute with a low finish from inside the box, followed by Abena Opoku’s powerful strike just six minutes later. East Bengal’s offensive onslaught persisted into the dying moments of the game, with Abena Opoku grabbing her second goal in the 70th minute, and Anju Chanu adding another three minutes later.
The historic rout was completed in stoppage time at 90+3 minutes, when Soumya Guguloth netted the 12th goal, sealing an unforgettable victory and cementing East Bengal’s place in the record books.
Following their earlier 4-0 triumph over Rajshahi Stars FC of Bangladesh, East Bengal FC now stands on the cusp of an incredible achievement. A victory against Sabah FA on Sunday will not only validate their historic start but also propel them into the prestigious group stage of the AFC Women’s Champions League. All eyes will be on the "Moshal Girls" as they aim to continue their dream run.
