East Bengal Women Make History, Become First Indian Club to Reach the AFC Quarter-Finals
East Bengal FC have created history by becoming the first Indian club to qualify for the knockout stage of the AFC Women’s Champions League 2026-27, but head coach Anthony Andrews believes the achievement should be viewed as a beginning rather than a destination.
Xtratime Webdesk: East Bengal FC have created history by becoming the first Indian club to qualify for the knockout stage of the AFC Women’s Champions League 2026-27, but head coach Anthony Andrews believes the achievement should be viewed as a beginning rather than a destination.
Speaking after the landmark qualification, Andrews admitted that the team still has several areas to improve while expressing pride in the way his players have represented the club and the country.
“This is not the end. We will be more improving as a club and as a team.”
The qualification also carried added emotional significance for Andrews and his players after last season’s heartbreak, when East Bengal conceded a late goal that ended their campaign. Reflecting on that experience, the coach revealed how deeply the memory influenced the team this time around.
“Last year the heartbreak process, that five seconds changed everything for all of us.”
Andrews also acknowledged the quality gap between Indian clubs and the leading teams from countries such as South Korea, Japan and Australia. According to him, faster decision-making and greater exposure at the grassroots level remain key areas where Indian women’s football needs to grow.
The East Bengal coach also called for a stronger domestic calendar, particularly more matches in the Indian Women’s League (IWL). He believes regular high-level competition is essential for players to develop and ultimately strengthen the national team.
“Firstly, we need more games in the IWL, more games and more number of games.”
Andrews credited the AIFF for providing East Bengal with the platform to compete at this level and highlighted the role of the supporters, whose backing, according to him, made a crucial difference during the campaign.
With the knockout stage now awaiting East Bengal, Andrews knows the challenge will only become tougher. But after turning last season’s disappointment into a historic breakthrough, the coach wants Indian women’s football to use this moment as a catalyst for wider growth.
“Take this as a learning curve or take this as an opportunity.”
