East Bengal FC Faces Rajshahi Stars FC in AFC Women's Champions League Preliminary Stage

East Bengal FC will start their AFC Women's Champions League 2026-27 preliminary stage campaign against Rajshahi Stars FC on Monday, aiming to secure a spot in the group stage. The Kolkata club will face the Bangladeshi side at the Likas Stadium in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia, with kickoff scheduled for 1:30 pm IST. This match holds significant importance for East Bengal FC as it 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. The 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 for East Bengal FC. Should they 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, on the other hand, will be determined to start their campaign on a winning note and put themselves in a strong position to top Group A. The Bangladesh champions have strengthened their squad with 11 players from their title-winning side and boast 18 national team players. East Bengal will be without key players 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. Both East Bengal FC and Rajshahi Stars FC have never played each other in a professional match according to records. The predicted lineups for the match are as follows: East Bengal FC will play in a 4-2-3-1 formation with Panthoi Chanu as the goalkeeper, Sarita Yumnam, Adama Alhassan, Ashalata Devi, and Astam Oraon as defenders, Shilky Devi and Olivia Anokye as midfielders, Rimpa Haldar, Naorem Priyangka Devi, and Sulanjana Raul as forwards, and Abigail Antwi as the striker. Rajshahi Stars FC will play in a 4-4-2 formation with Rupna Chakma as the goalkeeper, Sheuli Azim as the captain, Afeida Khandaker, Bimal BK, Shamsunnahar Sr., Monika Chakma, Maria Manda, Sapna Rani, Unnoti Khatun, Shamsunnahar Jr., and Tohura Khatun as the forwards. Panthoi Chanu and Maria Manda will be key players to watch in the match. Panthoi Chanu's leadership quality and experience will be crucial for East Bengal FC, while Maria Manda's ability to win possession, dictate play, and contribute to the attacking third could prove crucial for Rajshahi Stars FC. 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. Fans will have to wait for further updates regarding the availability of live coverage as East Bengal begin their continental campaign.