East Bengal Draw 2-2 With Al-Hussein After Surrendering Two-Goal Lead
Sports Correspondent:Imran Sohail
East Bengal began their AFC Champions League Two 2026-27 campaign with a 2-2 draw against Jordanian club Al-Hussein at the Amman International Stadium on Wednesday.
The Indian side took a commanding two-goal lead during the first half, but Al-Hussein fought back after the break to earn a share of the points in their Group D opener.
East Bengal Take Control in First Half
East Bengal made a fast start, with Dani Ramirez opening the scoring in the ninth minute.
Ramirez reacted quickly after goalkeeper Abulaila saved Edmund Lalrindika’s initial attempt, putting the visitors ahead.
East Bengal extended their advantage just before half-time. In the 40th minute, Anwar Ali rose to meet a corner from Ramirez and headed the ball into the net.
The visitors went into the interval with a 2-0 advantage.
Al-Hussein Complete Second-Half Comeback
Al-Hussein returned from the break with greater attacking intent and eventually found a way back into the contest.
Mahmoud Al-Mardi pulled one goal back in the 61st minute. After receiving the ball inside the penalty area, he curled his shot beyond East Bengal goalkeeper Prabhsukhan Gill.
Gill then made an important save four minutes later, denying Yousef Qashi as the Jordanian side continued searching for an equaliser.
Late Goal Earns Al-Hussein a Point
East Bengal were unable to hold on to their lead as Al-Hussein levelled the match in the 87th minute.
Obeida Al Namarnah sent a cross into the box, allowing Ahmad Assaf to finish and make it 2-2.
The hosts pushed forward in the closing minutes in search of a winning goal, but East Bengal defended successfully to secure a point.
East Bengal’s Next AFC Champions League Two Match
East Bengal will return to Group D action on October 13, when they face Iraq’s Al-Shorta SC.
The result leaves both teams with a point from the opening round of group matches.
AFC Champions League Two 2026-27 Format
The group stage features 32 teams, with 16 clubs representing the West Zone and another 16 from the East Zone.
The teams have been divided into eight groups of four, with clubs competing for places in the knockout stages of the continental competition.
East Bengal will now look to build on their opening performance when they meet Al-Shorta in their next Group D fixture.
