Phnom Penh, Sept. 1 -- East Bengal advanced to the Group Stage of the AFC Women's Champions League 2025-26 despite being held to a 1-1 draw by Kitchee SC of Hong Kong, China in their final Qualifiers Group E tie on Sunday.

The draw moved East Bengal to four points, with Kitchee two behind and out of contention for a group stage spot, as per the official website of All India Football Federation (AIFF).

Kitchee, who needed victory to seal their spot, enjoyed early possession while East Bengal deployed the same strategy they did on Matchday One, with Soumya Guguloth and Fazila Ikwaput making runs through the centre.

East Bengal's pressure paved the way for the opener in the ninth minute when Ikwaput set up Sangita nicely, with the midfiel...