East Bengal FC qualified for the AFC Champions League Two group stage after a dramatic 4-1 extra-time victory over Kuwait's Al Arabi SC at the Salt Lake Stadium.
East Bengal FC secured a spot in the group stage of the AFC Champions League Two after pulling off a dramatic 4-1 comeback victory in extra time against Kuwait’s Al Arabi SC at the Salt Lake Stadium on Wednesday.
The ISL champion created early momentum when Palestinian midfielder Basim Rashid unleashed a powerful effort from outside the box, forcing a fine save from Sulaiman Abdulghafoor. Al Arabi came close to scoring in the 23rd minute when Kenean Maleko’s attempt almost slipped between Prabhsukhan Gill’s legs, but the EBFC goalkeeper recovered on the line.
Al Arabi broke the deadlock in the 76th minute when Sandip Mandi brought down Maleko inside the penalty area, allowing Nigerian forward Anayo Iwuala to convert from the spot. Facing defeat, East Bengal found a 90th-minute equaliser as Jay Gupta headed home from a Rashid free-kick to send the match into extra time.
EBFC took control during the second session of extra time against a tiring opponent. Rashid put the hosts ahead in the 108th minute with an angled half-volley before substitute David Hmar made it 3-1 in the 117th minute, scoring off the rebound from a saved Chris Ikonomidis attempt. Rohit Danu rounded off the scoring in the 120th minute by converting Hmar’s assist to seal the win.
Reporting sourced from The Hindu Football. Photo courtesy The Hindu Football.