East Bengal FC secured their second consecutive victory after romping to a 12-0 victory over Rovers FC

East Bengal FC secured their second consecutive victory after romping to a 12-0 victory over Rovers FC

East Bengal FC secured their second consecutive victory after romping to a 12-0 win over Rovers FC (Guam) in the AFC Women’s Champions League 2026-27 preliminary stage in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia, on Thursday. In doing so, the Moshal Girls created history by recording the biggest-ever victory by an Indian club in an Asian competition, whether men’s or women’s, overtaking the 9-0 win by East Bengal’s men’s team against Club Valencia (Maldives) in the 1985-86 Asian Club Championship.

The win puts East Bengal one victory away from the group stage, with Malaysia’s Sabah FA their opponents on Sunday. Rovers goalkeeper Jae Almonte conceded again in the 15th minute when she spilled Anju Chanu Kayenpaibam’s shot from inside the box, with Astam Oraon reacting quickest to slot home the rebound. The IWL champions resumed in the same vein after the break, with Sulanjana Raul dribbling into the box in the 48th minute before her cross was deflected into the path of Olivia Anokye, who made no mistake from close range. A minute later, Soumya Guguloth picked out Abigail Antwi with a pinpoint cross, allowing the Ghanaian to nod home East Bengal’s fifth goal. Jae was called into action again in the 51st minute, parrying Shilky Devi Hemam’s curling effort into the path of Sulanjana, who calmly converted the rebound. Olivia grabbed her second goal in the 58th minute after drilling home a low shot from inside the box, before Abena Opoku added another with a thumping effort in the 64th minute.

Having cruised to a 4-0 win over Rajshahi Stars FC (Bangladesh) on matchday one, East Bengal stamped their authority from the start, taking the lead in the sixth minute when Priyangka Devi Naorem’s effort from just outside the box saw the ball hit the left post before settling in the back of the net. There were more woes for Rovers as East Bengal extended their advantage with goals from Abena (70′), Anju (73′), and Soumya (90+3′) to complete the comprehensive win.