East Bengal faces Al Arabi test in ACL Two qualifier
East Bengal FC is preparing to face Kuwaiti club Al Arabi SC in an AFC Champions League Two preliminary knockout match. The Kolkata-based club is looking to advance to the group stage despite facing defensive personnel challenges.
Why it matters
Continental football matches are significant for the growth and international standing of Indian club sports.
Defending Indian Super League champion East Bengal FC faces a tough continental test when it meets Kuwaiti league runner-up Al Arabi SC in an AFC Champions League Two preliminary-stage knockout match at the Salt Lake Stadium on Wednesday.
East Bengal returns to the competition after featuring in the AFC Challenge League in the 2024-25 season. It lost the ACL Two qualifying tie to Turkmenistan’s Altyn Asyr after qualifying as the Super Cup winner.
This time, the Kolkata giant has earned its place after winning India’s top league, and will be eager to make the opportunity count.
The victor of this match will advance to the ACL Two group league stage.
East Bengal began the new season under experienced Spanish coach Antonio Lopez Habas, who has replaced compatriot Oscar Bruzon, the man who guided the club to its first top-flight league title in 22 years.
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