East Bengal vs Kitchee SC Preview, team news, lineups & prediction | AFC Women’s Champions League 2025

East Bengal look to seal qualification into the group stages of the 2025-26 AFC Women’s Champions League when they face Kitchee WSC in their second and final preliminary stage clash on Sunday (31 August, 2025).

The Red & Gold Brigade can expect a stern test against the Hong Kong side, who will look to harass them with their attacking prowess and East Bengal need to produce a clinical performance to get all three points.

Also Read: East Bengal at top of AFC Women’s Champions League Preliminary stage points table

The Stakes

East Bengal

Anthony Andrews’ side had an impressive start to their AFC Women’s Champions League preliminary stages with a gritty win over Phnom Penh Crown. However, they will need to maintain this winning momentum to get the better of Kitchee and complete a perfect preliminary stage.

East Bengal will be looking to maintain a sturdy defensive shape to frustrate their opponents, but will also need to be way more clinical with their work in the final third and convert chances better than they did in the last game.

A win for the Red & Gold Brigade will book their places at the group stages of the Women’s Champions League, bringing pride to Indian women’s football. A shocking loss, however, will mark a setback in their attempts for Asian glory.

Kitchee

Kitchee WSC have a challenging task in front of them if they aspire to qualify for the group stages of the AFC Women’s Champions League. They were held to a frustrating draw by Phnom Penh Cown, in which they were able to produce some thrilling attacking football but conceded too many cheap goals.

The Hong Kong club will need to be much more stubborn and resilient defensively to hold their own against East Bengal and keep them quiet in the upcoming game.

They’ll also need to take their chances perfectly to stun the Indian side and make their way into the next round. A win for Kitchee will be a huge momentum booster for the side as they aspire to play in Asia, while a draw or loss would end their dreams of qualifying for the AFC Women’s Champions League main stages in a bitter fashion.

Team News

Anthony Andrews should have the same East Bengal squad that featured in the last game as there were no injury troubles suffered. There are no suspended players at East Bengal either.

Inigo Calderon is also going to have a fully fit squad available for this match as none of his players picked up injuries in the last game.

Head-to-Head

This will be the first time that East Bengal and Kitchee WSC will be meeting each other in a competitive match in their history.

Predicted Lineups

East Bengal (4-2-3-1):

Elangbam Panthoi (GK), Sarita Yumnam, Sushmita Lepcha, Maureen Okpala, Abena Opokli, Shiky Devi, Resty Nanzri, Sangita Basfore, Sulanjana Raul, Aminah Nababi, Fazila Ilkwaput

Kitchee (4-2-3-1):

Leung Wai Nga (GK), Chu Po Yan, Ho Yeut Ning, Ho Mu Mei, Chu Claire Shing Yin, Fu Chiu Man, D. Vos, Chu So Kwan, Cheung Wai Ki, Cham Chaing Min, Chung Pui Ki

Key Players to Watch

Fazila Ilkwaput (East Bengal)

Fazila Ilkwaput proved to be the difference maker for East Bengal in their win in the opening game of the preliminary stages, scoring the pivotal winner against Phnom Penh Crown. The Ugandan forward, who was signed by the Red & Gold Brigade in the 2025 summer window, is delivering exactly what she was brought on board for. Ilkwaput will now aim to maintain their impressive form by delivering another clinical performance against Kitchee.

She will be tasked to trouble the defenders with her clever movement and link-up play to drive her side forward. However, Ilkwaput will be determined to finish off whatever chances come her way in the final third to empower East Bengal into the group stages of the AFC Women’s Champions League.

Cheung Wai Ki (Kitchee)

Cheung Wai Ki will need to be a major driving force for her side in the upcoming game against East Bengal to empower their chances of making it to the group stages. Wai Ki had a pretty impressive game against Phnon Penh Crown, scoring a nice goal and proving her quality in the final third. However, she will need to further amplify her threat in the final third to really hurt the Red & Gold Brigade.

Wai Ki will need to be smart with her interplay with teammates to help get the ball into the danger zones regularly. Moreover, she will also need to be clinical in taking up her chances and be efficient with her final product to help Kitchee get a big win and move into the next stages of the competition.

Did you know?

• Fazila Ilkwaput became East Bengal’s first goal scorer in an Asian competition with her goal against Phnom Penh Crown.
• Kitchee will be aiming to qualify for the AFC Women’s Champions League for the very first time.
• East Bengal will look to become only the second Indian club to play in the AFC Women’s Champions League group stages.

Telecast Details

The AFC Women’s Champions League preliminary stage clash between East Bengal and Kitchee will take place on Sunday, 31st August 2025 at the National Sports Complex, Phnom Penh. The match will kick off at 5:30 PM IST. The match can be streamed live on the BTV Asian Sports Live Facebook page

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