East Bengal vs Sabah FA Preview - Team news, lineups | AFC Women's Champions League Preliminary Stage

East Bengal are undefeated in the preliminary stage of 2026-27 AFC Women’s Champions League.

East Bengal FC, the champions of the 2025-26 Indian Women’s League, are just one step away from making it to the group stages of the AFC Women’s Champions League for a second consecutive season.

Placed in Group A among the six groups in the preliminary stage of the 2026-27 AFC Women’s Champions League, East Bengal head into the final group-stage game as the table toppers.

They will face hosts Sabah FA, who are level on points with them but trail on goal difference. The match between the two sides is scheduled to take place on Sunday, August 23, 2026, from 17:30 IST at the Likas Stadium in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia.

The Stakes

East Bengal FC

East Bengal, who were knocked out of the 2025-26 AFC Women’s Champions League group stage by the slightest of margins on goal difference, will be determined to make it past the group stage this time. However, the first hurdle they have to cross is the preliminary stage.

Coming into the game, East Bengal have already won both of their opening games in the preliminary stage in convincing fashion and sit at the top of the table with six points. They have scored 16 goals across the two games while conceding none.

It is a do-or-die game for East Bengal, but they must not lose the game if they want to make it to the main tournament.

Thanks to their superior goal difference, even a draw would be enough for them to finish as group leaders and make it to the group stages if they cannot secure a win.

Sabah FA

Sabah FA, the hosts of Group A, are also unbeaten, having won both their games and collecting six points. They have a very similar goal difference to East Bengal, with the hosts sitting at +14 compared to East Bengal’s +16.

They started their campaign with a 13-0 thrashing of Rovers before defeating Bangladeshi side Rajshahi Stars 2-1 in their second game despite conceding a late goal. As a result, they have no choice but to win their final preliminary-stage game if they want to qualify for the main tournament.

Having played in the 2024-25 AFC Women’s Champions League, the Malaysian champions will be determined to give their best against East Bengal and assert their position at the top of the table in front of their home fans to return back to the group stages of the competition.

Team News

East Bengal are expected to have a fully fit squad available for selection, with the exception of Fazila Ikwaput and Resty Nanziri, both of whom have not travelled with the squad to Malaysia due to visa issues.

Hosts Sabah FA are also expected to have a fully fit squad available for the all-important clash.

Head-to-Head Record

East Bengal FC and Sabah FA have never faced each other in any competition prior to this game, making this the first meeting between the two sides in history.

Predicted Lineups

East Bengal FC (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.

Sabah FA (4-3-3)

Asma Junaidi (GK); Steffi Sarge Kaur, Varela-Keen, Juliana Barek, Henrietta Justine, Rosdianah Adeline; A. Terawaki, An Se-Bin, M. Atis; E. Broussard, M. Nakayama

Players to Watchout

Olivia Anokye (East Bengal FC)

With East Bengal’s primary goal threat from last season, Fazila Ikwaput, ruled out of the preliminary stages due to visa issues, the club were in dire need of someone to step up and deliver by scoring crucial goals.

Ghanaian forward Olivia Anokye has stepped up and filled Ikwaput’s boots, scoring four goals in the two games so far, including a brace in both matches.

A clinical finisher by trade, Anokye is praised for her movement and positional awareness inside the box, which not only helps her make dangerous runs but also open up space for her teammates by attracting opposition defenders towards her.

Enzi Hekima Starks Broussard (Sabah FA)

Enzi Hekima, the striker from the USA, has been in blistering form in the 2026-27 AFC Women’s Champions League preliminary stage so far. She started the campaign with a poker against Rovers in the first game, scoring four of the 13 goals her side scored.

In the second game against Rajshahi Stars, where her side won 2-1, she scored both crucial goals to ensure that her side collected all three points, which has kept them firmly in contention for the top spot heading into the final game.

She is a traditional striker who possesses brilliant aerial abilities, combined with decent hold-up play and physical prowess. She will be a huge test for the East Bengal defence, who have not conceded even once in this competition so far.

Telecast Details

The AFC Women’s Champions League preliminary stage clash between Sabah FA and East Bengal will take place on Sunday, 23rd August (2026).

The match will kick off at 5:30 pm IST and will be live streamed on FanCode.

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.