East Bengal FC is poised to continue its resurgence as they prepare to face Lebanon’s Nejmeh FC in a pivotal Group A match of the AFC Challenge League, taking place in Thimphu on Friday. The match comes just three days after East Bengal snapped a nine-match winless streak across all competitions with a commanding 4-0 victory over Bashundhara Kings.
With a spot in the quarterfinals of the revamped third tier of AFC club competitions on the line, as well as a boost in confidence ahead of their return to the Indian Super League, Oscar Bruzon’s squad has much to play for. Currently, East Bengal sits second in the group with four points, trailing the perfect Nejmeh by two points.
To advance to the knockout stage, eight teams will qualify from the group stage—three group winners and the best-ranked runners-up from the West, along with the top two finishers from each group in the East. If East Bengal finishes second, their progression could hinge on the outcome of the day’s other match between hosts Paro FC and the already-eliminated Bashundhara Kings.
The team’s recent performance has sparked optimism. In their last outing against Bashundhara, East Bengal showcased a dominant display, with Dimitri Diamantakos scoring in both the opener against Paro (a 2-2 draw) and the win over Bashundhara. Bruzon praised his players, stating, “The last game, especially its first half, was a beautiful art of football. We are slowly improving, and I believe the players can be ready for another high-intensity performance.”
Historically, East Bengal has struggled against Nejmeh, losing both previous encounters in the 2010 AFC Cup group stage—0-3 away and 0-4 at home. Bruzon acknowledged the challenge ahead, emphasizing that both teams will be striving for a win to secure their place in the knockout round. “There’s no speculation or calculation. Both teams will go for the win and qualify,” he remarked.
Defender Hector Yuste is a doubtful starter due to a muscle pull sustained in the recent match. However, team captain and fellow Spaniard Saul Crespo expressed confidence in the squad’s depth, noting that the team has players capable of stepping up in various positions. Midfielder Souvik Chakrabarti, who scored in the previous match, echoed the sentiment, stating, “The victory against Bashundhara is more important than my personal milestone. We want to improve together as a unit and win more matches.”
The crucial match will kick off at 3:30 PM IST at the Changlimithang Stadium in Thimphu.
