Kota Kinabalu: Sabah FA missed out on a place in the AFC Women’s Champions League 2026/27 Group Stage after a 2-0 defeat to East Bengal FC in Sunday’s final Preliminary Group A tie at Likas Stadium.
Despite a strong start, the hosts missed a golden opportunity to take the lead, when Misaki Nakayama’s 21st-minute half-volley flew over the crossbar.
Minutes later, Enzi Broussard wasted an even better chance after receiving a cross from Mai-Lisa Atis as she scuffed her shot with only the goalkeeper to beat.
Sabah FA’s defence was rock-solid in the first half, with skipper Steffi Sarge Kaur commanding a backline that East Bengal found it hard to breach.
The tide turned after the break as the visitors stepped up their game, building momentum and creating multiple scoring opportunities.
The deadlock was finally broken in the 67th minute when forward Olivia Anokye, denied by Sabah FA goalkeeper Asma Junaidi earlier, latched onto Sulanjana Raul’s through pass to score the opener.
Soumya Guguloth then sealed the victory with a second goal in the 87th minute.
