Rajshahi Stars' Asian debut ends in four-goal defeat to East Bengal

 
Rajshahi Stars' historic AFC Women's Champions League debut ended on a chastening note as the Bangladesh Women's Football League champions suffered a 4-0 defeat to India's East Bengal FC in Malaysia on Monday.

Playing at the Likas Stadium in Kota Kinabalu, Rajshahi found themselves behind after just nine minutes when Ghanaian forward Olivia Anokye converted a penalty. Astam Oraon doubled East Bengal's advantage in the 26th minute before Anokye struck again 12 minutes later to send the Indian champions into half-time with a commanding 3-0 lead. Soumya Guguloth completed the rout in the 72nd minute.

The result marked the first appearance by a Bangladeshi women's club in the AFC Women's Champions League, with Rajshahi earning their continental berth after winning the 2025-26 Women's Football League unbeaten. They had assembled a star-studded squad featuring 15 national-team players for the Asian challenge.

Despite boasting most of Bangladesh's leading internationals, Rajshahi struggled to make their mark against the Indian champions and failed to find the net. East Bengal, meanwhile, showed the greater composure and cutting edge throughout.

The defeat also echoes Bangladesh's recent struggles against India at international level. In the SAFF Women's Championship in Goa earlier this year, India beat Bangladesh 3-0 in the group stage before winning the final 3-1.

Rajshahi will now look to dust themselves down before facing hosts Sabah FA on Thursday, 20 August. Their final Group A fixture is against Guam's Rovers FC on Sunday, 23 August. Only the group winners will advance to the Champions League group stage.