Late Goals Sink East Bengal Against Al Seeb in Asia

East Bengal’s AFC Champions League Two journey hit a roadblock on Tuesday as late strikes from Al Seeb Club secured a 2-0 away victory in Group D. The defeat at Kolkata’s Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan leaves the Indian Super League champions needing a remarkable turnaround in their final two fixtures.

From the opening whistle, East Bengal imposed their physical presence and pressed high up the pitch. Captain Mohammed Rashid orchestrated the midfield, linking up with Danny Ramirez and Bipin Singh Thonaoraj to create promising moves. Yet, despite dominating territory, the home side struggled to convert possession into clear-cut opportunities. Ramirez missed a glancing header, while Singh’s effort from distance sailed over the bar.

Al Seeb weathered the early storm and slowly asserted control over the midfield. Abdulaziz Al-Maqbali’s intelligent distribution unlocked spaces, though Meya’s attacking runs were repeatedly thwarted by Lachenpa’s commanding presence between the posts. The Omani side grew in confidence, with Omar Al-Malki testing the keeper from dangerous areas. Lachenpa’s crucial blocks and acrobatic saves ensured the match remained tied at the interval.

The breakthrough finally arrived in the 85th minute when Xcel Meya used his pace to slip past his marker and fire a low shot into the net. The goal completely shifted the momentum, draining the home crowd’s energy and forcing East Bengal to expose themselves defensively. The visitors capitalized on the space with a decisive blow in stoppage time, as Zahir Al-Aghbari rounded the keeper to secure the win.

East Bengal now finds itself bottom of Group D with two points, while Al Seeb moves up to third. Al Shorta SC leads with seven points, and Al Husain holds second place with five. The Red and Golds face a must-win scenario on November 24 against Al Husain SC in Kolkata, followed by a challenging away trip to Iraq to face Al Shorta SC on December 8.