East Bengal Football Club (EBFC) kicked off their AFC Challenge League 2024-25 campaign with a challenging group-stage opener against Paro FC at the Changlimithang Stadium in Thimphu, Bhutan. In this gripping match, the Red and Gold Brigade managed to secure a 2-2 draw thanks to Dimitrios Diamantakos’ late equalizer, giving fans a thrilling start to the competition. Here’s a breakdown of the match’s key moments, highlights, and standout performances.
AFC Challenge League 2024-25: East Bengal’s Season Opener
EBFC started their AFC Challenge League journey in Thimphu with a mission to end their recent struggles and claim a strong position in the group stage. Playing on Bhutanese soil, they faced Paro FC, who were participating in their first AFC Challenge League. Scheduled at 4:30 PM IST, this game was a high-stakes match that saw both teams fiercely contesting each other from start to finish.
Match Highlights: East Bengal vs. Paro FC – Thrilling Moments Unfold
The match ended with a balanced 2-2 score, with each team showcasing strength in attack and resilience in defense. Below, we summarize the game’s standout moments.
First Half: East Bengal Trails as Paro FC Capitalizes
The home team, Paro FC, made a solid start, putting pressure on East Bengal’s defense and demonstrating effective ball control. While East Bengal looked to counter, Paro’s quick passes and ball possession allowed them to take the lead.
Second Half Drama: Dimitrios Diamantakos Seals the Equalizer
As the match progressed, East Bengal rallied, determined to turn the tide. Their persistence paid off in the second half, with Diamantakos scoring a much-needed goal. The following key moments captured the fans’ attention in the final minutes:
- 90+2′: Defender Hijazi Maher from Paro FC collided with East Bengal’s Prabhsukhan Gill, resulting in an injury pause as both players received medical attention. This intense play highlighted the physicality of the match.
- 90+1′: East Bengal’s Milos Cupic made a remarkable save against Diamantakos, preserving the tie. His alertness and skill kept Paro FC from taking the lead again.
- 90′: Anwar Ali and Hector Yuste displayed solid teamwork in defense as East Bengal attempted to build their play from the back, while Paro FC pressed with relentless energy.
Pressure from East Bengal’s Offense in Final Minutes
With the clock ticking, East Bengal’s offense pushed for a winning goal. Here are some key plays from the final minutes:
- 87′: Lalchungnunga’s long throw-in created an opportunity, but Paro FC’s goalkeeper caught it with ease.
- 84′: PV Vishnu, newly substituted for Nandha Kumar, sprinted towards the goal but missed the target, keeping fans on edge.
- 82′: Paro FC built up a decent attack but fell short with a misplaced final pass.
- 79′: East Bengal’s Nandha Kumar delivered a cross that just missed Diamantakos’ reach, showcasing the Red and Gold Brigade’s offensive drive.
Key Performances: Players Who Made an Impact
Both teams had standout performers whose efforts shaped the game:
- Dimitrios Diamantakos (East Bengal): Scoring the equalizer for East Bengal, Diamantakos kept the team in the game with his persistence and finishing skills.
- Milos Cupic (Paro FC): The Paro FC goalkeeper made some critical saves, including a powerful one-on-one against Diamantakos, to deny East Bengal a late lead.
- Nandha Kumar (East Bengal): Known for his crosses, Kumar’s efforts on the right flank created opportunities, including the assist for Diamantakos’ goal.
What’s Next for East Bengal in the AFC Challenge League?
After sharing points with Paro FC, East Bengal’s next challenges in the AFC Challenge League include matches against Basundhara Kings on October 29 and Nejmeh on November 1. These upcoming fixtures will be crucial for the Kolkata-based team as they aim to advance in the tournament.
With hopes of turning their campaign around, East Bengal fans are optimistic that the Red and Gold Brigade will put up a strong fight in the remaining group stage matches. To follow their journey and stay updated with match reports, live scores, and expert insights, keep visiting AIPRM Sports Coverage.