East Bengal FC clinched a thrilling 3-2 victory over Lebanon’s Nejmeh SC, securing their place in the knockout stage of the AFC Challenge League 2024-25. With this win, East Bengal finished as Group A winners, collecting seven points from three matches. Dimitrios Diamantakos’ brace powered the Red and Gold Brigade to victory in a high-stakes match where both teams fought with unwavering determination. Here’s a closer look at the game that sent East Bengal into the knockout rounds.
Group A Journey: East Bengal’s Road to Victory
East Bengal entered this final group match with four points, trailing Nejmeh SC, who had six points from their previous two games. The Indian side started their campaign with a dominant 4-0 win over Bashundhara Kings from Bangladesh. In their second game, they held Bhutan’s Paro FC to a 2-2 draw, setting up a tense final clash against Nejmeh.
With both teams aiming for the knockout stage, this final group match was crucial. East Bengal needed a win to advance, while Nejmeh required only a draw to stay on top. The stakes were high, and East Bengal rose to the challenge, delivering a performance that secured their progression.
A Dramatic Start: East Bengal Takes the Lead
East Bengal began the match with intensity, pressuring Nejmeh from the opening minutes. Their efforts paid off quickly in the eighth minute when Madih Talal’s corner found its way into the net, thanks to an own goal by Nejmeh’s Baba Musah. Talal’s well-placed corner created confusion in the Lebanese defense, with Musah inadvertently heading the ball past his goalkeeper.
The early goal gave East Bengal a psychological advantage, and they seized the opportunity to build on it. Just seven minutes later, in the 15th minute, Diamantakos doubled the lead. Mahesh Naorem sent a low cross into the box, and Diamantakos, displaying his clinical finishing, prodded it home for his third consecutive goal of the tournament. East Bengal’s swift 2-0 lead left Nejmeh stunned, struggling to find their rhythm.
Nejmeh SC’s Comeback Attempt
Despite the early setback, Nejmeh SC displayed resilience and started pressing forward. Just three minutes after Diamantakos’ goal, Nejmeh found a breakthrough. Rabih Ataya lofted a well-timed ball over the East Bengal defense, setting up Collins Opare, who stabbed it past Prabsukhan Gill in goal. The goal lifted Nejmeh’s spirits and gave them hope of leveling the match.
Nejmeh continued to push, and in the 43rd minute, they found the equalizer. Hussein Monzer stepped up for a free kick just outside the penalty area. With a masterful strike, Monzer bent the ball into the top corner, leaving Gill with no chance. The goal electrified the game, setting up an enticing second half with the score tied at 2-2.
A Tense Second Half: Opportunities and Missed Chances
With elimination a real possibility, both teams approached the second half cautiously, focusing on maintaining possession and avoiding mistakes. Nejmeh, however, looked dangerous in attack, creating several opportunities to take the lead.
In the 47th minute, Hassan Kourani had a golden opportunity to score, but he missed an open header that sailed over the crossbar. Nejmeh continued to test East Bengal’s defense, with Mahdi Zein and Ataya creating further chances. However, Gill remained steady, making crucial saves to keep the game level.
The Decisive Moment: Diamantakos’ Penalty Seals the Win
As the game reached its final stages, East Bengal pushed for a winning goal. In the 77th minute, the decisive moment arrived. Madih Talal was brought down in the box by Nejmeh’s Ali Ismail, leading Thai referee Songkran Bunmeekiart to award a penalty. Diamantakos stepped up confidently and converted the spot-kick, restoring East Bengal’s lead at 3-2.
With renewed energy, East Bengal focused on defending their lead. Nejmeh launched multiple attacks in the closing minutes, but East Bengal’s defense held firm. The final whistle confirmed East Bengal’s victory and top spot in Group A.
Key Performances and Impactful Moments
- Dimitrios Diamantakos: The Greek forward was instrumental in East Bengal’s success, scoring twice to lead his team to victory. His consistency in front of goal, with goals in all three group matches, made him East Bengal’s standout player in the tournament.
- Madih Talal: Talal’s well-placed corner led to the own goal that opened the scoring, and he won the crucial penalty that secured the win. His presence in midfield and creativity added depth to East Bengal’s attack.
- Prabsukhan Gill: The East Bengal goalkeeper showed composure under pressure, making vital saves to keep Nejmeh at bay during critical moments. His saves in the second half helped maintain East Bengal’s lead.
- Hussein Monzer: Monzer’s brilliant free-kick brought Nejmeh back into the game and demonstrated his technical skill. Although it wasn’t enough to secure a result, his goal showcased Nejmeh’s attacking threat.
- Nejmeh’s Resilience: Despite the loss, Nejmeh displayed impressive resilience and fighting spirit. Their quick comeback after conceding two early goals highlighted their determination and ability to challenge strong opponents.
East Bengal’s Strategy and Tactical Approach
Throughout the group stage, East Bengal relied on a high-pressing strategy, aiming to disrupt opponents early in matches. Against Nejmeh, this approach proved effective, as they forced mistakes and capitalized on defensive lapses. East Bengal’s use of wide players, particularly Mahesh Naorem, allowed them to stretch Nejmeh’s defense and create opportunities.
Defensively, East Bengal focused on maintaining a compact shape and closing down spaces in midfield. Although they conceded twice, their backline showed composure under pressure, especially in the closing minutes when Nejmeh intensified their attack.
Advancing to the Knockouts: What’s Next for East Bengal?
With this win, East Bengal advances to the quarterfinals of the AFC Challenge League. As Group A winners, they await the results from other groups to determine their quarterfinal opponent. The two-legged quarterfinal matches are scheduled for March 5 and 12, giving East Bengal time to prepare for the next challenge.
For East Bengal, this journey reflects the team’s progress under new management and the impact of players like Diamantakos and Talal. The team’s performance in the group stage has raised expectations, and fans will be eager to see how they fare in the knockout rounds.
Fan Reactions and Community Support
East Bengal’s performance in the AFC Challenge League has generated excitement among fans. The Red and Gold Brigade’s supporters have celebrated each victory, with many fans sharing their pride and enthusiasm on social media. The team’s qualification for the knockout stage has reignited interest in East Bengal’s future and the potential for international success.
Conclusion
Dimitrios Diamantakos’ brace and a resilient team effort propelled East Bengal FC to a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Nejmeh SC, securing their place in the AFC Challenge League knockout rounds. With this win, East Bengal emerges as Group A’s top team, showcasing a blend of skill, determination, and tactical intelligence.
The Red and Gold Brigade now prepares for the quarterfinals, where they aim to continue their journey toward the AFC Challenge League title. For East Bengal and its fans, this victory represents not only progression but a testament to the team’s growth, resilience, and potential on the international stage.
