East Bengal ends Al-Arabi Champions League Two dream

Al-Arabi and East Bengal players vie for the ball during the AFC Champions League Two playoff in Kolkata.

KOLKATA, India, Aug 12: Al-Arabi’s AFC Champions League Two campaign came to an end after they suffered a 4-1 defeat to India’s East Bengal in the playoff round at Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata.

The result means Al-Arabi will now compete in the AFC Challenge League, while East Bengal has secured its place in the AFC Champions League Two.

Al-Arabi coach Goran Sablic started Suleiman Abdulghafour in goal, with Abdullah Ammar, Abdulwahab Al-Awadi, Jawhar Rasul and Sheldon forming the defensive line. Ali Aziz, Khaled Al-Murshid and Kenan Malinco operated in midfield, while Youssef Majed, Zaid Qanbar and Anaba Ayewala led the attack.

The hosts made the brighter start and looked to capitalize on some early uncertainty in Al-Arabi’s defense. Abdulghafour, however, remained alert and made several important saves to keep the score level.

Al-Arabi gradually grew into the game and began creating opportunities. Ayewala broke into the penalty area in the 12th minute but fired into the side netting. Al-Murshid tested the East Bengal goalkeeper seven minutes later, while Malinco also saw an effort saved in the 23rd minute.

The visitors then took greater control of midfield and enjoyed a spell of pressure. Ayewala weaved past several defenders five minutes before halftime but sent his effort over the bar, while Malinco headed a cross wide in the final minute of the half.

Both teams increased the tempo after the restart. Ayewala again threatened in the 49th minute, forcing the East Bengal goalkeeper to turn his shot behind for a corner. The hosts responded immediately on the counter, but Al-Murshid produced a crucial intervention to deny them.

Al-Arabi was forced into a change in the 71st minute when Ali Abdulrasoul replaced the injured Abdullah Ammar.

Three minutes later, Al-Arabi was awarded a penalty after Malinco was brought down inside the box. Ayewala stepped up and confidently converted to give the visitors the lead.

Al-Arabi had a chance to extend their advantage in the 81st minute, but Youssef Majed headed wide.

Sablic responded by bringing on Bandar Al-Salama and Hamad Al-Harbi for Majed and Al-Murshid as he looked to maintain the team’s momentum.

East Bengal threw players forward in the closing stages and finally found the equalizer in stoppage time. Jai Gupta rose to head the ball past Abdulghafour, sending the match into extra time.

The additional 30 minutes proved decisive. Al-Arabi missed several chances to regain the lead, with Al-Salama among those unable to capitalize, while the team’s physical condition appeared to deteriorate.

East Bengal took advantage in the 108th minute when Palestinian Bassim Rashid unleashed a powerful shot to put the hosts ahead.

Al-Arabi pushed for another equalizer, but its hopes were ended in the 116th minute when David beat the Al-Arabi defense and scored East Bengal’s third goal.

Rohit Danu completed the rout in the 120th minute, sealing a 4-1 victory and sending East Bengal into the AFC Champions League Two.

By Hassan Mosa

Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff