'Crowd's support is only advantage': East Bengal FC Women head coach Anthony Andrews ahead of AWCL 2026–27 game

East Bengal to begin their AWCL 2026-27 campaign against Ho Chi Minh City WFC in Kolkata.

East Bengal Women are set for a demanding continental challenge as they prepare to take on Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh City WFC in their opening Group B fixture of the 2026–27 AFC Women’s Champions League.

The encounter will take place at the Kishore Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata on November 1, 2026, with kick-off scheduled for 8:00 PM IST.

The AWCL 2026–27 Group Stage clash will mark the beginning of East Bengal Women’s campaign on home soil. The Moshal Girls will be eager to make the most of their home advantage and kick off their continental journey with a positive result, as Kolkata hosts all Group B fixtures from November 1 to 7.

Following their opening encounter against Ho Chi Minh City WFC on November 1, East Bengal will face South Korean champions Hwacheon KSPO WFC on November 4 before concluding their group-stage campaign against DPR Korean outfit 4.25 SC on November 7. All three matches will be played at the Kishore Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata.

Having secured their place in the group stage for the second consecutive season by topping their preliminary-round group in Malaysia, the Indian champions will now aim to reach the quarter-finals for the first time in the club’s history.

However, their opening opponents will pose a stern challenge. Ho Chi Minh City WFC bring considerable continental experience and will also be determined to begin their campaign on a winning note.

Before the all-important AWCL 2026-27 group stage opener, East Bengal Women’s team head coach Anthony Andrews and midfielder Sathi Debnath have addressed the media.

Here is the pre-match press conference of East Bengal ahead of their AWCL 2026-27 group stage campaign!

Anthony Andrews’ thoughts on the tournament

Ahead of East Bengal Women’s opening fixture in the AWCL 2026–27 Group Stage, head coach Anthony Andrews shared his thoughts on the opponents, the tournament and the team’s preparations.

Anthony stated: “Firstly, I am grateful to see so many people turning up for women’s football. So, to everyone who has made this effort and come here with all their support, thank you so much for being here.”

“As far as the game is concerned, we know that we are going to face a tough opponent. However, I am confident that we have done a good job with the time available to us. I hope we put our best foot forward tomorrow, approach the game positively and start our campaign on a positive note,” he added.

Anthony Andrews on home advantage, team preparations and lessons learned from last season’s AWCL campaign

East Bengal FC Women head coach Anthony Andrews spoke about the benefits of home advantage, the importance of crowd support, the key lessons from last season’s AWCL campaign and the team’s preparations ahead of the tournament.

Andrews said: “I think there were a lot of takeaways from last season which helped us understand much better what the players can do at the bigger level.”

“Obviously, the game is faster at the international level, and that’s why we have strengthened the squad this season. We have brought in a good number of foreign players, and we have worked really hard with them. I hope that they put everything on the pitch tomorrow.”

“As you mentioned, our opponents are the champions of their domestic league, which concluded last week. We are aware of them, and we have been watching their games as well. Obviously, it is a drawback for us that our league has not started yet.”

“If that had been the case, we would have had at least some game time to assess ourselves. However, I believe that whatever is in my control or our control, we must make sure that we do it well.”

“As far as the things within our control are concerned, we have played some good, friendly matches ahead of the tournament. So, we have done our job, and I hope we execute our plans well from tomorrow onwards.”

“There were a lot of mistakes that we made last season. But if you ask me, it has been a learning curve for the girls, and it is a process. We have a good number of young girls and promising local talents coming through. Moreover, when you play at a higher level, as I mentioned, the pace of the game is much faster.”

“What we have done this season is play some good tactical games to understand whether we can solve the problems that we faced last season.”

“When it comes to playing at home, it is a big drawback for us that we haven’t had the opportunity to train here. We haven’t even had a single training session on this ground. When you play in this kind of format or these types of matches, the only advantage or difference can come from the fans turning up and encouraging the players.”

“That can be an advantage of playing at home. Other than that, I don’t see any advantage, to be honest with you.

“Firstly, all three teams are quite good. We have watched their games, and they have been performing really well. Their domestic leagues have already started, and they have been playing regularly. But, at this moment, we are focused only on the first game because the opening match is very important for us to progress further in the competition.”

“The starting eleven and the selection will be clear when you see us on the pitch tomorrow. But regarding the fans, I would humbly request everyone to come in huge numbers and support these girls. The crowd’s support is the only advantage we can take from playing at home.”

“If you all come, it will give the girls an extra boost to keep pushing until the 90th minute. And, as I always say, if you come in huge numbers, we will make sure that when you go home, you leave with a smile,” he concluded.

Sathi Debnath’s thoughts on the tournament, the team’s preparations and home advantage

East Bengal midfielder Sathi Debnath has spoken about the team’s preparations for the tournament, expressing their determination to learn from last season’s mistakes and secure qualification for the knockout stages.

Sathi stated: “Good afternoon, everyone. First of all, I would like to say that Kishore Bharati is always very special to me. I have won two trophies here on this ground. So, I will try to give my best here tomorrow. I would also like to request all the fans to come and support the team in tomorrow’s match.”

“Last season, we missed out on the quarter-finals by a whisker. But this time, we are trying to rectify those mistakes, take a step forward and reach the knockout stages.”

“My coaching staff and I have worked very hard for this. So, I have told myself that we will give 100 per cent.”

“Even over the last few days, I have reminded myself that we have to do better this time. All the players and the technical staff have worked very hard to win back-to-back Indian Women’s League titles.”

“Over the past few days and weeks, the discussion within the team and the dressing room has been about taking another step forward and performing well in the Women’s Champions League. That is the mindset within the team. Thank you so much,” she concluded.

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