East Bengal Prepares for AFC Challenge League Battle

Sayak Banerjee / 22-08-2024

After their AFC Champions League exit, East Bengal turns its focus to the AFC Challenge League, starting October 26 in Bhutan. Grouped with Lebanon’s Nejmeh SC, Bangladesh’s Bashundhara Kings, and Bhutan’s Paro FC, the Red and Gold brigade faces a challenging campaign in Group A.

East Bengal earned this opportunity through their Super Cup triumph earlier this year. However, a 3-2 loss to Altyn Asyr dashed their AFC Champions League aspirations. Coach Carlos Cuadrat has since rallied his players, emphasizing the importance of redemption in this tournament.

Group A features tough opponents, with Nejmeh being the reigning Lebanese Premier League champions and Bashundhara Kings leading Bangladesh’s football scene. Paro FC, too, enters the competition as Bhutan’s top team. With a single round-robin format, only the group winners and top runners-up advance, leaving little room for error. East Bengal’s first match is against Nejmeh on October 26, followed by clashes on October 29 and November 1. With redemption on their minds, the team is determined to leave their mark on this prestigious tournament.