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East Bengal FC were held to a 2-2 draw by Jordanian Pro League champions Al Hussein SC in their AFC Champions League Two 2026-27 Group D opener at Amman International Stadium on Wednesday.
The ISL champions led 2-0 at half-time, courtesy of goals from Daniel Ramrez and Anwar Ali, but Al Hussein, in front of their home fans, scored two goals of their own in the second half to rescue a draw, as per the AIFF website. Nevertheless, it was a strong start to the campaign for the Red and Gold Brigade, who navigated the Preliminary Stage in August to reach the Group Stage. It marked the first point for an Indian club in Asia's second-tier men's club competition since it was rebranded to the ACL Two in 2024-25. East Bengal took an early lead, opening the scoring in the ninth minute after Edmund Lalrindikas effort bounced awkwardly for Yazeed Abulaila, with the Al Hussein custodian only able to palm the ball towards Ramrez, who gleefully tucked it home. Al Hussein roused themselves from their slumber and created several chances, with Aref Haitham cutting in from the right flank to fire just over the bar before Pedro Henriques powerful header was thwarted by Prabhsukhan Singh Gill in East Bengals goal. Against the run of play, the Indian side almost got their second from a quick counterattack in the 38th minute that saw Jay Gupta finding Lalrindika in the box, but could only watch in dismay as the latter blazed the ball over from close range. East Bengal, however, doubled their advantage two minutes later when Ramrezs corner delivery from the right was misjudged by Abulaila, with the ball hitting Anwar Ali on the shoulder and landing in the net. Al Hussein's desperation to find a way back into the game after the break could only produce wayward attempts from distance by Abdallah Nasib and Saleem Amer. The home sides perseverance, however, finally paid off in the 61st minute. Kharouba won possession from Hardik Bhatt, drove into the box before cutting the ball back for captain Mahmoud Al Mardi to slide it home. Al Hussein were not done and eventually found the equaliser in the 87th minute when Obaida Al Namarnahs cross from the left flank was steered in by Ahmad Assaf. East Bengal will face Iraq's Al Shorta SC on the second matchday at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan on October 13. (ANI)
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