The Emirates News Agency reported that Banaat FC secured a 9-0 victory over Master FC of Laos on August 20 in the preliminary stage of the AFC Women’s Champions League. The UAE club dominated the Group C fixture and improved on their earlier 1-1 draw with Royal Thimphu College in the same pool. This result has revived their hopes of advancing further in the competition as they aim to progress from the qualifiers.
According to the Asian Football Confederation, Banaat FC will next face Nasaf Qarshi on Sunday in what is likely to be a pivotal match for qualification from the group. The preliminary round brings together clubs from a range of Asian member associations to compete for a limited number of spots in the main tournament. Several other groups in the current preliminary stage have also produced high-scoring results, including 12-0 and 8-0 victories as listed on the AFC website.
AFC figures show that the 2026/27 edition of the competition continues the growth of the tournament since its establishment, offering increased opportunities for women’s clubs across the continent. The group format requires teams to accumulate points over multiple matches, with only the winner of each preliminary group typically advancing. Banaat FC’s performance places them in a stronger position within Group C after two matches played.
Banaat FC entered the AFC Women’s Champions League on the back of recent domestic success, including their victory in the UAE Women’s Super Cup, according to the club’s website. The team has focused on squad development to compete effectively at the continental level. Their involvement highlights ongoing efforts to elevate women’s football standards in the UAE through international exposure.
The Asian Football Confederation has scheduled the remaining preliminary matches across various venues this week, with outcomes set to determine which clubs advance. Additional results from parallel groups, such as those involving teams from Cambodia, Myanmar and Timor-Leste, have followed a similar pattern of decisive wins for stronger sides. Tournament organizers continue to monitor the preliminary stage as it unfolds over the coming days.
