East Bengal FC marked a memorable night in the AFC Challenge League with a comprehensive 4-0 victory over Bangladesh’s Bashundhara Kings at Thimphu’s Changlimithang Stadium.
With this dominating performance, East Bengal finds itself in a strong position to advance, capturing the hopes of fans eager to see the team secure a quarterfinal slot. Currently sitting in second place in Group A with four points from two matches, East Bengal faces a make-or-break clash against Lebanon’s Nejmeh FC, the group leaders, for a direct entry into the next round.
Commanding Start Leads to Early Dominance
In a chilly evening at Thimphu with temperatures hovering at 15°C, East Bengal wasted no time asserting dominance. Within just 30 seconds of kickoff, Greek forward Dimitrios Diamantakos connected with a cross from Lalchungnunga, netting the ball and putting East Bengal ahead with a powerful strike. This early goal set the tone for the match, shaking Bashundhara’s defense and giving the red-and-yellow team a boost of confidence that resonated throughout the game.
Relentless Attack Crumbles Bashundhara’s Defense
Following the early lead, East Bengal’s offense maintained relentless pressure, pinning Bashundhara’s players back and searching for more scoring opportunities. At the 16-minute mark, Nandhakumar Sekar narrowly missed doubling the score with a shot that was expertly blocked by the opposition’s goalkeeper. A few minutes later, midfielder Souvik Chakraborty stepped up with a remarkable long-range goal, extending the lead to 2-0. Bashundhara’s defense struggled to respond to East Bengal’s aggression, and the crowd witnessed a confident and unyielding Kolkata side.
Bashundhara’s Struggles Exposed in First Half
With each passing minute, Bashundhara Kings appeared increasingly vulnerable to East Bengal’s fluid gameplay. Despite Bashundhara’s attempts to tighten their defense, Nandhakumar struck again in the 26th minute, capitalizing on a pass from Madi Tallal and shooting past Bashundhara’s seasoned keeper, Anisur Rahman. This goal widened the lead to 3-0, showcasing East Bengal’s precision and composure in the attacking third. Moments later, Anwar Ali sealed the victory with a fourth goal, courtesy of a powerful shot from outside the box, closing the first half with a resounding 4-0 scoreline.
Second Half: Sustaining Control Despite Injury Setbacks
The second half saw East Bengal adopt a more cautious approach, making strategic substitutions to preserve their lead. Clayton Silva replaced Diamantakos to maintain offensive pressure, while Hector Yuste and Mahesh departed due to minor injuries. Bashundhara introduced Brazilian forward Miguel Ferreira, hoping to inject fresh energy into their attack. Although Miguel provided occasional sparks, East Bengal’s defensive resilience kept Bashundhara scoreless. Clayton Silva almost netted a fifth goal, but his shot was met with an impressive save by Anisur Rahman.
Bashundhara’s Offensive Efforts Fall Short
Despite gaining some momentum with Ferreira’s inclusion, Bashundhara’s offensive efforts failed to translate into goals. Key opportunities, including a well-placed cross from Sad Uddin and a shot from Jonathan Reiss that struck the post, highlighted Bashundhara’s struggle to finish. Even with increased attacking pressure, they were unable to break through East Bengal’s well-organized defense, which stood firm in the face of Bashundhara’s late surge.
East Bengal’s Defensive Depth on Display
East Bengal’s defense showcased depth and coordination, adapting smoothly to each of Bashundhara’s moves. Anwar Ali, despite sustaining a muscle strain under Bashundhara’s increasing pressure, remained a solid presence at the back. Even as Bashundhara escalated their attempts, East Bengal’s defensive substitutions—PV Vishnu and Jickson Singh—provided reinforcement, preventing any late-game concessions. This cohesive defensive unit underscored East Bengal’s overall balance and tactical discipline, vital components in their AFC Challenge League campaign.
Looking Ahead: Quarterfinal Qualification on the Line
With four points from two games, East Bengal now sits second in Group A, trailing Lebanon’s Nejmeh FC, who holds six points. As per the tournament structure, 12 teams from West Asia are split across three groups, while six East Asian teams are placed in two groups, with the top teams advancing to the quarterfinals. East Bengal’s upcoming match against Nejmeh FC will determine their fate, as a victory is essential for direct qualification to the quarterfinals.
East Bengal’s commanding performance against Bashundhara Kings has revitalized their AFC Challenge League campaign and ignited fans’ hopes for further progression. With tactical precision, offensive vigor, and steadfast defense, the team demonstrated they are more than capable of contending for a spot in the tournament’s top eight. The challenge that lies ahead—a must-win match against Nejmeh FC—will test East Bengal’s resilience and ambition. A win could propel them closer to championship glory, making their journey in the AFC Challenge League a thrilling prospect for supporters and the Indian football community alike.
When is East Bengal’s next match?
East Bengal’s next match is on Saturday, November 9 from 7:30 pm (IST) against Mohammedan SC at home.
