On the backdrop of yet another rainy day in Kolkata, East Bengal ground’s floodlights were lit. As dusk approached and darkness took over, the ground was beaming as the grass was graced by the East Bengal women’s team.

Anthony Andrews, their professor, was orchestrating his team on the field ahead of a monumental challenge in the AFC Champions League. A serial winner of the Indian Women’s League, Andrews has rejuvenated the women’s team, but the bar keeps on getting higher. After a long training session, it was finally time for a conversation at the abode of a bibliophile, the East Bengal library.

In an exclusive conversation with MyKhel, Andrews discussed a plethora of things, and his strongest message was reserved for the club’s supporters, whom he believes have a significant role to play in the team’s journey.

‘Pressure Is Privilege’: Andrews Embraces Asian Challenge

East Bengal’s qualification for the AFC Women’s Champions League has presented Andrews and his players with another opportunity to test themselves against superior continental opposition. While the coach acknowledges the difference in rankings and individual quality, he insists that his team would not abandon its approach.

“I always say that pressure is privilege for me. I always take that in a positive stride because that gives me to push myself beyond boundaries, to think beyond.”

The East Bengal coach is aware that facing teams from South Korea, North Korea and Vietnam will be considerably more challenging than domestic assignments. However, he wants his players to approach the competition with courage, aggression and tactical responsibility.

“The ranking, if you see, is way ahead of us. Then the quality of player, if you see, it’s way ahead. But be brave, be aggressive. Do not fear to take one versus one. Do not fear to give away possession and then regain it.”

The Moshal Girls will be up against Ho Chi Minh City of Vietnam in the first match on November 1, followed by two more matches against Korean opponents.

East Bengal’s AFC Women’s Champions League 2026-27 Fixtures

East Bengal have been placed in Group B alongside three domestic champions from Asia. Kolkata will host all Group B matches from November 1 to 7, 2026.

Local Talent and Youngsters Central to East Bengal’s Plans

While East Bengal have made a few additions to their squad, Andrews identified the increasing presence of local players as one of the club’s most encouraging developments. The coach reveals that the squad has around 17 to 18 local players, with the coaching staff working towards creating a bigger talent pool capable of competing for places in the starting XI.

“Two or three players we have addition, but the biggest, biggest, like I mean, I would say the good thing we have done is to have more number of local players to give them chances to be around the squad, train them, improve them,” he explains.

Andrews believes the development of younger players requires more than simply providing them with opportunities. The presence of experienced footballers and a supportive coaching structure is equally important.

“But you need good people around them just to educate them. And I think we have that core of players who helps the younger players to do better.”

He also pointed towards the emergence of players such as Sathi, Suranjana and Sarita, highlighting how youngsters have contributed to East Bengal’s progress. The objective, according to Andrews, is to ensure that more local players become capable of earning regular opportunities rather than remaining squad members.

‘Winning Once Can Be a Lucky Thing’: Andrews Defends East Bengal’s Dominance

East Bengal have established themselves as one of the strongest teams in the Indian Women’s League under Andrews. However, the coach was quick to dismiss suggestions that their success has come simply because of the quality and depth of their squad. He believes sustained success requires consistency, discipline and considerable work behind the scenes.

“Winning once can be a lucky thing. Second time, I don’t think it can be lucky. Let’s say even if it’s lucky not for the third time, and I have done it continuously over the years.”

Andrews Wants East Bengal to Retain Their Attacking Identity

Despite the quality of opposition awaiting East Bengal in the continental competition, Andrews has no intention of abandoning the attacking blueprint that has defined his team’s performances. He wants his players to remain expressive, take on opponents and develop the confidence to compete in individual situations.

“We want to produce brave footballers who are willing to take on opponents one versus one. That will help the club and Indian football. We want players to express themselves freely while maintaining defensive discipline when required. Our attacking blueprint will remain the same, and you will see it from our very first game.”

‘The Women Are Also Creating History’: Emotional Appeal to Supporters

East Bengal’s women’s team has been supported in numbers by the fans, and the coach also urges the fans to cheer for the team in the upcoming AFC Champions League matches.

“When you talk about legacies, histories, it’s not only for the boys, it’s also for the women. The women are also creating history for you guys,” Andrews said.

With the AFC Women’s Champions League offering an opportunity to represent the club and India on a major continental platform, Andrews wants supporters to turn up in numbers. He acknowledges concerns surrounding the evening kick-off timings and travel difficulties but insists that the team was ready to play whenever required.

“I don’t think there should be any excuses for these three games. They are extremely important, and while I’m not expecting supporters to travel to Kalyani and back us during the IWL, I hope they turn up for this continental campaign. If you really support East Bengal, if you are really through and through red and gold, just come and watch. We will make you proud.”

‘We Need to Work on the Basics’: Andrews on Indian Women’s Football

Beyond East Bengal, Andrews also identifies grassroots development and a properly structured domestic league as essential requirements for improving Indian women’s football. He questions the expectations placed on players when their domestic exposure remains limited.

“The league needs to be properly structured. If players are given just 14 games and are then expected to perform for the national team, we cannot question their quality when results don’t go our way internationally. We have discussed these issues for years, but without addressing the basics, we cannot progress. We must focus on improving the foundations before expecting more from our players.”

For the last couple of seasons, the women’s team has pioneered success for East Bengal, which was later coupled by the men’s team. It was a dreamy afternoon for Anthony and his girls a few months back as they won the IWL title twice in a row. But the ambition is now bigger. After heartbreak last season in the qualifiers, the opportunity to play in the top-tier continental competition is a challenge, but as he says, ‘Pressure is Privilege’.