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East Bengal beat Al Arabi 4-1 in extra time to qualify for the AFC Champions League Two group stage.
East Bengal FC have qualified for AFC Champions League 2 Group Stage.
(East Bengal FC)
East Bengal produced a stunning late comeback to beat Kuwait’s Al Arabi 4-1 in extra time and qualify for the AFC Champions League Two group stage at the Salt Lake Stadium on Wednesday.
The hosts looked set for a disappointing exit after Anayo Iwuala put Al Arabi ahead in the 76th minute from the penalty spot. Sandip Mandi had brought down Kenean Maleko inside the box, allowing Iwuala to send a low, powerful effort into the bottom-left corner despite goalkeeper Prabhsukhan Gill going the right way.
East Bengal had chances earlier, with Bipin Singh missing a golden opportunity in the 50th minute after being played through by Jesin Thonikkara. Al Arabi then capitalised on the miss, putting the pressure on the home side as the clock ticked down.
However, East Bengal refused to give up and found a dramatic equaliser in the 90th minute. Jay Gupta rose to meet Mohammed Rashid’s free-kick and thumped a header past Al Arabi goalkeeper Sulaiman Abdulghafoor to send the match into extra time.
The goal completely shifted the momentum. East Bengal dominated the additional 30 minutes and finally took the lead through captain Rashid in the 108th minute. A loose ball fell invitingly near the edge of the box, and Rashid produced a superb half-volley to beat Abdulghafoor.
Al Arabi tried to fight back and came close when Zeid Qunbar created an opening, but Mandi produced another crucial intervention to deny what appeared to be a clear opportunity.
East Bengal then put the contest beyond doubt in the 117th minute. Substitute David Lalhlansanga found space inside the box and calmly finished to make it 3-1.
Rohit Danu completed the rout in stoppage time after David showed excellent composure to go around the goalkeeper before laying the ball across to Danu, who had the simple task of tapping it into an empty net.
The comeback was particularly impressive given East Bengal were without Spanish centre-back Nacho Monsalve and played with an all-Indian defence.
The result gives Antonio Lopez Habas’ new-look side a place in the West Region group stage of the AFC Champions League Two. The 16-team group phase will be played in a home-and-away round-robin format.
East Bengal qualified for the continental competition after winning their maiden Indian Super League title last season, ending a 22-year wait for a top-flight championship. They will now have the opportunity to test themselves against some of Asia’s leading clubs.
(With PTI Inputs)
August 12, 2026, 11:02 pm IST
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