AWCL 2026-27 Preliminary Stage: Bam Khatoon beat CSKA Dushanbe 3-0 as group standings updated
Bam Khatoon FC defeated FC CSKA Dushanbe 3-0 in a Group E match of the AFC Women’s Champions League 2026-27 preliminary stage being held in Kuala Lumpur during the tournament window from August 17 to 23, 2026. The opening round of fixtures produced a set of results that have updated the group standings across the six preliminary groups.
The preliminary stage features 24 clubs, five more than last season, split into six groups with the winners advancing to the main group stage. The six group winners will join six sides that qualified directly: defending champions Naegohyang Women’s FC (PRK) and the top-ranked quintet of Melbourne City FC (AUS), Hwacheon KSPO WFC (KOR), INAC Kobe Leonessa (JPN), Beijing Jingtan Football Club (CHN) and Ho Chi Minh City Women’s FC (VIE). Matches in the preliminary stage are being contested in Kuala Lumpur from August 17 to 23, 2026.
In Group A hosts Sabah FA opened with a 13-0 victory over Rovers FC to sit atop the section with a +13 goal difference; their next match is against Rajshahi Stars FC (BAN) on August 20, 2026. East Bengal FC beat Rajshahi Stars FC 4-0 in their Group A opener, with new signing Olivia Anokye scoring twice, and are currently placed second in the group; they face Rovers FC next and need a large win to close the gap to Sabah FA. Rajshahi Stars FC and Rovers FC both suffered defeats in their opening games.
Group B saw Kaya FC-Iloilo record a 6-0 win over FC Ilbirs and move to the top of their section; Kaya’s next fixture is against Phnom Penh Crown FC on August 20, 2026. TSL FC (HKG) beat Phnom Penh Crown FC 2-0 and will play FC Ilbirs on August 20; Phnom Penh Crown and FC Ilbirs both lost their opening matches and require strong results in coming fixtures to remain in contention. In Group C PFC Nasaf opened with an 11-0 victory over Master FC and hold a +11 goal difference, with a next match versus Royal Thimphu College FC (BHU) on August 20, 2026.
Group D results included 4.25 SC (PRK) beating Kharaatsai FC (MNG) 13-0 and College of Asian Scholars (THA) defeating S’Amuser FC (TLS) 10-0 in their respective openers. S’Amuser FC will play 4.25 SC on August 20, 2026, while Kharaatsai FC face College of Asian Scholars on the same date; Kharaatsai and S’Amuser must obtain large victories in subsequent matches to keep qualification hopes alive.
In Group E Bam Khatoon FC’s 3-0 win over FC CSKA Dushanbe puts them atop the early standings in that section; Bam Khatoon’s next match is against Al Nassr Club (KSA) on August 20, 2026. Al Nassr and Etihad Club (JOR) played out a 2-2 draw in their Group E opener. Group F saw New Taipei City Hang Yuan FC (TPE) beat No Limits FC (LBN) 6-0 and Ayeyawady FC (MYA) record a 4-0 win over FC Jurong (SGP); New Taipei City Hang Yuan meet FC Jurong on August 20, 2026, and Ayeyawady face No Limits on the same date.
Only the six group winners will progress to the AWCL group stage, and the next round of preliminary fixtures is scheduled for August 20, 2026, when the teams listed above play their second matches.