East Bengal confirmed their qualification to the quarter-finals of the AFC Challenge League with a hard-fought 3-2 win over Lebanon's Nejmeh SC on Friday, November 1 in Thimphu, Bhutan.
This is the first time in 11 years that East Bengal have qualified for a knockout tournament at the Asian level. Their last knockout appearance at the continent level was at the AFC Cup 2013 in the semifinal.
The Red and Gold Brigade, who are at the bottom of the Indian Super League (ISL) standings with six losses in six games had a tough opponent in Lebabnon's Nejmeh SC. However, it was the Indian side which dominated early in the match.
An own goal from Nejmeh SC defender Al-Rida Ismail gave East Bengal the lead in the eighth minute which was doubled in the 15th minute by Greek striker Dimitrios Diamantakos.
However, Nejmeh pulled a goal back just in the 18th minute via striker Collins Opare's goal. After that Nejmeh started dominating possession and made multiple attacks only to find the second goal via a free kick just minutes before the half-time. Hussein Monzer managed to put the free kick into the goal post from just outside the box.
Both teams went into the second half with scores level. Nejmeh came out strong in the second half too, creating chances after chances against an under-pressure East Bengal side.
Against the run of the play, East Bengal were awarded a penalty in the 74th minute. Diamantakos once again came to the fore to score from the spot and complete a brace in the match. That goal would prove decisive and Nejmeh, despite making multiple attacks and dominating the ball, would lose the match.
The triumph over Nejmeh means East Bengal would now win Group B and qualify directly to the quarterfinals of the tournament as a table-topper.
