East Bengal Lose 1-4 to South Korea's Hwacheon KSPO, Knockout Hopes Hang in Balance

East Bengal suffered a 1-4 defeat against South Korea’s Hwacheon KSPO in their second group-stage match of the AFC Women’s Champions League 2026-27 at the Kishore Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata on Wednesday. Despite the loss, the Indian side remained in contention for a quarter-final spot.

After an evenly contested first half ended 1-1, Hwacheon produced a dominant second-half display, scoring three goals to secure victory and move level with East Bengal on three points in Group B.

Fazila Ikwaput put East Bengal ahead in the 17th minute, racing onto a clearance from Astam Oraon before beating goalkeeper Kim Ji-hyeon with a strike into the bottom corner.

Hwacheon equalised in the 26th minute when Lee Su-bin’s indirect free-kick took a deflection off East Bengal defender Resty Nanziri and rolled past goalkeeper Panthoi Chanu Elangbam.

The South Korean side took control after the break, with Wie Jae-eun putting them ahead in the 53rd minute following a video review. Three minutes later, Mun Eun-ju made it 3-1 after receiving a cross from Choi Jeong-min. Wie completed her brace in the 76th minute to seal the win.

East Bengal, who defeated Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh City WFC in their opening match, now face DPR Korea’s 4.25 SC on Saturday in their final group fixture. Their opponents have already secured one of the two automatic quarter-final spots.

A draw will guarantee East Bengal qualification. Even a defeat could keep them in contention, as the two best third-placed teams across the groups will also advance. Their qualification could be confirmed before kick-off if Saturday’s Group A match between Iran’s Bam Khatoon FC and Myanmar’s Ayeyawady FC ends in a draw.