East Bengal FC vs Rajshahi Stars FC Preview - Team news, lineups | AFC Women's Champions League Preliminary Stage

East Bengal eye AWCL Group stage berth as they face Rajshahi Stars FC without key players.

Indian Women’s League (IWL) champions East Bengal FC will begin their AFC Women’s Champions League 2026-27 preliminary stage campaign on Monday (17th August), targeting successive group-stage qualification in the continental competition.

The Kolkata club will play the first AFC Women’s Champions League preliminary stage match against Bangladeshi side Rajshahi Stars FC at the Likas Stadium in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia, with kickoff scheduled for 1:30 pm IST.

Last season, East Bengal made it beyond the AFC Women’s Champions League preliminary stage, becoming the first Indian football club to win a group stage match in the competition before bowing out.

In this article, we take a look at the preview of the AFC Women’s Champions League preliminary stage match between East Bengal FC and Rajshahi Stars FC.

The Stakes

East Bengal FC

For East Bengal FC, this match holds significant importance as this will be a key match which can define their AFC Women’s Champions League Preliminary stage campaign. East Bengal have been drawn in Group A alongside Malaysia’s Sabah FA, Guam outfit Rovers FC and Bangladeshi club Rajshahi Stars FC.

This season’s preliminary stage features 24 teams divided into six groups of four each, with each group winner advancing to the AFC Women’s Champions League 2026-27 group stage.

Only the group winners will join six teams that have secured direct entry to the group stage. Therefore, winning this game and moving forward their step to top the group will be very key.

Should East Bengal qualify for the AFC Women’s Champions League 2026-27 group stage, they will enter a separate draw in September, with matches set to begin in November.

Rajshahi Stars FC

For Rajshahi Stars FC, stakes are equally high as they look to make a strong impression on their continental debut.

The Bangladesh champions have strengthened their squad with 11 players from their title-winning side and boast 18 national team players.

With only group winners progressing to the AFC Women’s Champions League 2026-27 group stage, Rajshahi will be determined to start their campaign on a winning note and put themselves in a strong position to top Group A.

Team News

East Bengal will be without Fazila Ikwaput, Resty Nanziri, Abena Opoku, Sweety Devi, Karthika Angamuthu and Sandhiya Ranganathan for the opener. Soumya Guguloth is also recovering from a knee injury.

Rajshahi Stars FC will miss their star, Ritu Porna Chakma due to issues with her International Transfer Certificate.

Head-to-Head Record

Both East Bengal FC and Rajshahi Stars FC have never played each other in a professional match according to records.

Predicted Lineups

East Bengal (4-2-3-1)

Panthoi Chanu (C) (GK); Sarita Yumnam, Adama Alhassan, Ashalata Devi, Astam Oraon; Shilky Devi, Olivia Anokye; Rimpa Haldar, Naorem Priyangka Devi, Sulanjana Raul; Abigail Antwi.

Rajshahi Stars FC (4-4-2)

Rupna Chakma (GK); Sheuli Azim (C), Afeida Khandaker, Bimal BK, Shamsunnahar Sr.; Monika Chakma, Maria Manda, Sapna Rani, Unnoti Khatun; Shamsunnahar Jr., Tohura Khatun.

Players to Watchout

Panthoi Chanu (East Bengal FC)

Panthoi Chanu, the experienced India international will be key for East Bengal FC as they head to face the Bangladeshi side Rajshahi Stars FC. The experienced goalkeeper will need to be at her absolute best as conceding first in this kind of high-stakes game can put the pressure on the team.

Her presence at the back will be important as multiple key East Bengal FC players will miss out on this game. Her leadership quality will also be at test with her being one of the most experienced players of the squad with many players unavailable. The Rajshahi team will need to make sure that Panthoi doesn’t get comfortable, because if she does, she will be a problem for them.

Maria Manda (Rajshahi Stars FC)

Maria Manda will be one of Rajshahi Stars FC’s key players to watch in their AFC Women’s Champions League preliminary stage match against East Bengal FC.

The experienced Bangladesh international brings composure, energy and leadership to midfield. Her ability to win possession, dictate play and contribute to the attacking third could prove crucial for Rajshahi, especially against an East Bengal side expected to dominate possession.

Telecast Details

As of now, there is no clarity regarding the live streaming of East Bengal’s AFC Women’s Champions League 2026-27 preliminary stage matches in India.

No official broadcaster or streaming platform has been confirmed for the games yet. Fans will have to wait for further updates regarding the availability of live coverage as East Bengal begin their continental campaign.

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