East Bengal FC overturn an early deficit with a dramatic extra-time comeback to beat Al Arabi 4–1 and secure a place in the AFC Champions League Two group stage.
Kolkata, August 12: The champions of India are in the AFC Champions League Two. With a stunning comeback, East Bengal FC beat Al Arabi 4–1 in the AFC Champions League Two qualifier at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan on Wednesday evening. After conceding first, the Red and Gold brigade fought back on the edge of the match to complete a remarkable AFC appearance tonight. The match had everything to make it a champions-worthy performance.
The rainy evening was expected to be demanding for the visitors as the ground had become heavy, and it happened, however there was no rain throughout the match. From the start, East Bengal FC displayed attacking intent and created several chances. In the 6th minute, Rasidh attempted a shot on target, though Sulaiman was alert to make the save. In the 18th minute, Al Arabi created a chance from a throw-in, with Khaled Almarshad attempting a grounder that Gill collected safely.
Within six minutes, the visitors almost found the net. Kenean Maleko attempted a close-range shot from six yards, which almost crossed the goal line. However, amidst the gathering of players, the East Bengal defence stood tall, while Gill saved the threat. Before the end of the first half, Kenean Maleko attempted another header from an unmarked position, but it went wide.
The second half resumed with another shot from Kenean Maleko in the 49th minute, but Prabhsukhan Gill was alert once again. In the next minute, East Bengal FC created and wasted their best chance of the match. Receiving a through ball, Jesin TK moved towards the empty box from the right. In a one-on-one situation, Jesin squared the ball for Bipin Singh, who narrowly missed the target.
As punishment, East Bengal conceded a penalty. After playing an attacking game and pressing high, a defensive lapse in the 74th minute saw Sandip Mandi pull down Kenean Maleko inside the box on the right side. From the spot, Anayo Iwuala converted to put Al Arabi ahead.
But that wasn’t the end of the story. In the decisive moment of the 90th minute, the Red and Gold brigade made a comeback. From Rasidh’s free-kick delivery, Jay Gupta headed the ball into the net to restore parity at 1–1 and send the game into another 30 minutes.
In the second half of extra time, at the 18th minute, Rasidh once again arrived with the saviour moment that the Red and Gold fans know so well. With a stunning volley from the right side of the box, he sent the ball with a slight curl into the top corner at the far post to put East Bengal FC ahead 2–1.
Freshly introduced to the field, David Lalansanga then added his name to the scoresheet. In the 26th minute of extra time, substitute Ikonomidis attempted a shot that goalkeeper Sulaiman saved, but the rebound fell to David, who followed up and placed the ball into the net.
And the comfortable 3–1 lead wasn’t enough for the Red and Gold brigade, as they added another in the final minute of the match. With another goalbound move from the right side of the box, David squared the ball across from close range, and Rohit Danu sent it into the net to secure a one sided 4–1 scoreline for the champions of India.
Against the Kuwaiti side, East Bengal FC displayed a complete performance tonight, with both their defence and attack reflecting their head coach’s words before the match — “playing with intelligence.” Creating plenty of chances, handling the pressure and eventually winning the match with intensity and drama, the Red and Gold brigade once again showed why they are used to representing the country on the Asian stage.
East Bengal FC’s remarkable comeback sees them book their place in the AFC Champions League Two group stage, while Al Arabi will continue their continental journey in the AFC Challenge League. From conceding first to sealing a 4–1 victory in extra time, the Red and Gold delivered a night of character, intensity and unforgettable drama on the Asian stage.
AFC Champions League 2 – East Bengal vs Al Arabi highlights
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