Sabah FA’s AFC Women’s Champions League 2026/27 journey came to an end on Sunday after the Malaysian side suffered a 2-0 defeat to East Bengal FC at Likas Stadium, Kota Kinabalu.
Two second-half goals from Olivia Anokye and Soumya Guguloth settled a tense encounter and ensured East Bengal finished top of Group A with a perfect points haul.
The Indian side had to withstand significant pressure from hosts Sabah, particularly during the opening stages, before eventually taking control after the interval.
Sabah gradually grew into the contest and came close to breaking the deadlock in the 21st minute when Misaki Nakayama met the ball on the half-volley, only to send her effort over the crossbar.
Two minutes later, the hosts had an even better opportunity. Mai-Lisa Atis delivered a first-time cross from the right towards an unmarked Enzi Broussard, but the forward failed to make clean contact with the finish despite having only goalkeeper Elangbam Panthoi to beat.
East Bengal struggled to play through a well-organised Sabah defence led by Steffi Sarge Singh.
The visitors instead relied heavily on deliveries from wide areas, particularly through Adama Alhassan, but Sabah goalkeeper Asma Junaidi remained composed and reliable when dealing with the crosses.
The second half became a more balanced contest as both teams increased the tempo.
Sabah’s Juliana Barek produced an impressive individual run into the penalty area from the right, but her attempted chip landed on the roof of the net.
East Bengal then created their first major opportunity after the restart in the 55th minute.
Guguloth broke down the right flank and delivered a cross towards Sulanjana Raul, whose powerful header was brilliantly turned away by Junaidi.
The East Bengal pressure was beginning to build. Anokye was next to threaten when she broke away from Steffi Sarge Singh, but Junaidi bravely stood her ground to block the attempt.
Sabah’s resistance finally ended in the 67th minute. Raul played a perfectly weighted through ball for Anokye, who raced beyond Siti Nurfaizah before attempting to finish past Junaidi.
The Sabah goalkeeper initially kept her out, but Anokye reacted quickest to the rebound and fired the ball into the net at the second attempt. Sabah FA 0-1 East Bengal.
The breakthrough significantly shifted the momentum in favour of the Indian side. Sabah were now forced to chase the equaliser, leaving more space for East Bengal to exploit on the counter.
East Bengal finally put the result beyond doubt in the 87th minute. Substitute Rimpa Haldar delivered a dangerous cross into the penalty area, and Soumya Guguloth arrived to fire the ball into the net. Sabah FA 0-2 East Bengal.
The goal sealed a crucial victory and confirmed East Bengal’s place in the AFC Women’s Champions League Group Stage.
The victory means East Bengal complete the preliminary stage with maximum points, finishing at the summit of Group A.
For Sabah FA, the defeat ends their qualification hopes despite a campaign that included an extraordinary 13-0 victory over Rovers FC in their opening match.
The Malaysian side demonstrated their attacking strength during the preliminary stage, but East Bengal’s defensive discipline and second-half efficiency ultimately proved decisive in the qualification battle.
East Bengal now advance to the continental group stage, while Sabah will take valuable experience from their campaign against some of Asia’s emerging women’s football powers.
