East Bengal FC made a significant mark in the AFC Challenge League 2024-25 by defeating Nejmeh SC of Lebanon 3-2 in a thrilling match that secured their place in the knockout stage. The encounter took place at the Changlimithang Stadium in Thimphu on Friday, where East Bengal showcased their resilience and attacking prowess to emerge victorious.
The Red and Golds concluded the group stage as winners of Group A, accumulating a total of seven points. Their journey in the tournament began with a commanding 4-0 victory over Bashundhara Kings from Bangladesh, followed by a gripping 2-2 draw against Paro FC of Bhutan. These results set the stage for a decisive showdown against Nejmeh, who were trailing East Bengal by two points ahead of this crucial clash.
East Bengal wasted no time in asserting their dominance in the match, taking an early lead in the eighth minute. A corner kick from Madih Talal resulted in a fortunate own goal by Baba Musah, giving the Indian side a 1-0 advantage. This initial breakthrough allowed East Bengal to capitalize on Nejmeh’s sluggish start, doubling their lead just seven minutes later. Dimitrios Diamantakos, in fine form, found the net for the third consecutive match, tapping in a low cross from Mahesh Naorem to make it 2-0.
However, the Lebanese side, who had previously won both of their earlier group matches, responded swiftly to East Bengal’s early strikes. Just three minutes after conceding the second goal, Nejmeh clawed one back when Rabih Ataya delivered a lob that set up Collins Opare for a well-placed finish past goalkeeper Prabsukhan Gill. This goal rejuvenated Nejmeh, reigniting their confidence as they pressed forward.
Nejmeh continued to mount pressure and leveled the score just two minutes before the half-time break. Hussein Monzer delivered a spectacular free-kick that bent perfectly into the top corner, leaving Gill with no chance to stop it. The equalizer set the stage for a highly competitive second half, with both teams keen to secure the win and avoid elimination.
Aware that any slip-up could spell disaster, both sides adopted a more cautious strategy after the break. Despite the tense atmosphere, Nejmeh managed to create several promising chances. In the 47th minute, Hassan Kourani squandered a golden opportunity by missing an open header. Further attempts from Mahdi Zein and Ataya were effectively handled by Gill, maintaining the stalemate as the clock ticked down.
More Read
The decisive moment arrived in the 77th minute when Talal was fouled in the penalty area by Ali Ismail. The Thai referee, Songkran Bunmeekiart, pointed to the spot, giving East Bengal a golden opportunity to regain the lead. Diamantakos stepped up to take the penalty and coolly slotted it away, restoring East Bengal’s advantage at 3-2.
Despite Nejmeh’s attempts to orchestrate another comeback, East Bengal’s defense held firm against the pressure in the closing minutes. The Indian Super League outfit managed to fend off the attacks, securing the victory and topping Group A in the process.
With this win, East Bengal FC has now positioned themselves for the knockout stages, eagerly awaiting the announcement of their quarter-final opponents once all group stage fixtures have concluded. The team’s performance in the group stage has not only boosted their confidence but also highlighted their capability to compete on an international level.
As East Bengal FC prepares for the next round, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if the team can maintain their momentum and make a deeper run in the tournament. Their victory over Nejmeh underscores the growing prominence of Indian football on the continental stage and sets a promising tone for the future.
