David Lalhlansanga’s brace proved insufficient as East Bengal squandered their lead, losing 3-2 despite Al-Shorta’s late red card.

East Bengal FC suffered a heartbreaking 3-2 defeat against Iraqi giants Al-Shorta SC in the AFC Champions League Two, despite heading into half-time with a 2-1 lead. David Lalhlansanga’s first-half brace put the Red and Gold Brigade in a commanding position, but two quick goals after the restart turned the contest on its head. Even a late red card for Al-Shorta could not help East Bengal salvage a point at home.

David’s two goals gave East Bengal a lead before the second half

East Bengal FC went into the half-time break with a 2-1 lead over Iraqi side Al-Shorta SC in their AFC Champions League Two encounter, producing an encouraging attacking display in front of their home supporters. David Lalhlansanga scored twice for the Kolkata giants, responding immediately after the visitors restored parity in the first half.

East Bengal made a bright start to the contest and took the lead in the eighth minute. Hardik Bhatt delivered the assist, setting up David Lalhlansanga, who found the back of the net with a left-footed effort from inside the penalty area. The early breakthrough provided East Bengal with momentum as they looked to put the Iraqi opponents under pressure.

Al-Shorta responded quickly in the 14th minute to bring the contest to a level. Rubén Ramírez delivered a cross into the box, and Ahmed Yahya rose to head the ball into the bottom-right corner. The equaliser brought the visitors back into the game and underlined the threat they posed from set-piece situations.

Both sides continued to search for another goal as the first half progressed. Al-Shorta tried to create chances through their attackers, while East Bengal looked dangerous whenever they moved forward. David Lalhlansanga had a chance in the 21st minute, but goalkeeper Jalal Hassan saved his effort. Lalchungnunga also tested the Al-Shorta custodian with a long-range attempt, only for Hassan to make another save.

Their persistence eventually paid off in the 40th minute. Mohammed Rashid provided the assist following a set-piece situation, allowing David Lalhlansanga to score his second goal of the evening with a right-footed finish from close range. The goal restored East Bengal’s advantage and handed them a crucial boost heading into the closing stages of the half.

After that, East Bengal tried to maintain their dominance; David Lalhlansanga came close again, while Anwar Ali missed a header from a promising position. Edmund Lalrindika also saw an attempt blocked, as Al-Shorta goalkeeper Jalal Hassan was called into action repeatedly.

Despite the late pressure, East Bengal could not extend their lead before the half-time whistle.

Missed opportunities cost East Bengal a loss

Al-Shorta came out with renewed intensity after the restart, and their attacking pressure immediately paid dividends. In the 51st minute, Hussein Ali Jasim Al Saedi restored parity with a close-range finish, converting a cross from Ahmed Yahya to make it 2-2.

Cristian Barco delivered a cross from the corner into the penalty area, where Kingsley Kuku rose to head the ball into the bottom-left corner. The quick succession of goals left East Bengal trailing 3-2, despite having gone into half-time with the advantage.

East Bengal attempted to respond, with David Lalhlansanga testing Al-Shorta goalkeeper Jalal Hassan in the 55th minute. Mohammed Rashid and Dani Ramírez also tried their luck from outside the box, while Edmund Lalrindika forced another save from the visiting custodian in the 67th minute. The match took another significant turn in the 76th minute when Al-Shorta midfielder Abdoul Madjid Moumouni received his second yellow card for a foul on Jay Gupta and was sent off.

However, Red & Gold struggled to find the equaliser as Al-Shorta remained organised defensively and looked dangerous on the counter.

East Bengal continued to apply pressure during stoppage time. Jay Gupta saw his header saved by Jalal Hassan, while attempts from Aké Loba and other attacking players were blocked as Al-Shorta defended their lead.

Despite four minutes of added time and a late surge from the hosts, East Bengal could not find a third goal.
With one draw and one loss, the red and gold brigade are now placed at number three of Group D just before Al-Seeb, whom East Bengal will face next on 27th October.