East Bengal rout Rajshahi Stars 4-0 as Anokye nets brace in AWCL preliminary opener

East Bengal defeated Rajshahi Stars 4-0 at the Likas Stadium in Malaysia on Monday, 17 August, in their AFC Women’s Champions League 2026-27 preliminary stage opener; Olivia Anokye scored twice while Soumya Guguloth and Astam Oraon also found the net. The result came in East Bengal’s first match of the preliminary stage.

East Bengal entered the match as Indian Women’s League champions and returned to Asia for a second consecutive year after retaining their domestic title. The club must finish top of their preliminary group to advance to the AWCL group stage. Anthony Andrews is the coach for this campaign, and East Bengal’s next opponent is Guam’s Rovers FC at the same venue on Thursday, August 20.

Olivia Anokye, the new Ghanaian signing, scored two goals on her East Bengal debut and played a central role in the win. Soumya Guguloth won the penalty that produced Anokye’s opening goal and also scored once herself, while Astam Oraon converted the match’s second goal and was noted for solid defensive positioning.

Goalkeeper Elangbam Panthoi Chanu was given a 7/10 rating after a composed performance that included an important save from Monika Chakma’s long-range effort and a clean sheet. At the back, Abena Anoma Opoku received a 7.5/10 rating and, alongside captain Shilky Devi Hemam, helped maintain East Bengal’s defensive shape throughout the game. Adama Alhassan made an impressive East Bengal debut and contributed to keeping Rajshahi’s attack quiet.

In midfield, Shilky Devi Hemam was rated 8/10 for controlling possession and leading the team from the middle of the park. Priyangka Devi Naorem received a 7/10 for her role linking midfield and attack and maintaining fluidity in East Bengal’s forward play. Sulanjana Raul was credited with two goal-scoring assists, and Rimpa provided attacking width and movement.

Among the forwards and substitutes, Abigail Antwi came on but had limited impact despite coming close to scoring. Ashalata Devi entered as a substitute and was noted for adding leadership and defensive stability to the backline. The report described Anokye as “arguably the standout performer on her debut,” scoring twice as East Bengal opened their AWCL preliminary campaign emphatically.

"FULL-TIME!!East Bengal FC 4-0 Rajshahi StarsEast Bengal FC women begin their AFC Women’s Champions League Preliminary Stage campaign in style with a dominating 4-0 victory over Bangladeshi side Rajshahi Stars!🔥🏟️⚽️#IndianWomensFootball #EastBengal pic.twitter.com/7a7tU0xzKK"

East Bengal’s next scheduled fixture is against Guam’s Rovers FC on Thursday, August 20 at the Likas Stadium, with kick-off listed at 1;30 PM (IST). A top-place finish in the preliminary group remains the pathway for East Bengal to reach the AWCL group stage.