East Bengal FC became the first Indian team to reach the AFC Women’s Champions League knockout stage, securing a historic quarterfinal berth despite suffering a 0-2 loss to North Korea’s April 25 SC in its final Group B match here on Saturday.

April 25 SC took control from the outset, opening the scoring in the second minute through Han Jin-Hong, who headed home.

East Bengal struggled to contain its opponent’s attacking threat and spent much of the first half defending. Goalkeeper Panthoi Chanu produced two crucial saves to prevent further damage before Oh Sol-Song doubled April 25 SC’s lead with a long-range effort in the 43rd minute.

East Bengal needed to avoid losing by more than three goals to advance as one of the two best third-placed teams across the three groups.

With Myanmar’s Ayeyawady Women’s Football Club finishing its Group A campaign with three points and a goal difference of minus six, East Bengal’s task was to preserve its standing. The Kolkata side held firm after the break, conceding no further goals to seal its passage into the last eight.

The achievement marks a significant milestone for Indian women’s club football.

April 25 SC topped the group with nine points from an all-win record while South Korea’s Hwacheon KSPO WFC took the second place with six points following a 3-1 victory over Ho Chi Minh City WFC earlier in the day

The result: East Bengal 0 lost to April 25 SC 2 (Han Jin-Hong 2, Oh Sol-Song 43).