East Bengal didn’t have the best start in the AFC Challenge League 2024, as they played out a hard-fought 2-2 draw against hosts Paro FC at the Changlimithang Stadium in Thimphu, Bhutan, on Saturday.
MadihTalal and Dimitrios Diamantakos scored the goals for East Bengal FC, securing a point in their opener against the Bhutanese club.
East Bengal began the first half on a high note, creating an early goal in the fifth minute. A Spanish midfielder dribbled past a defender on the right flank, making his way into Paro FC’s penalty box. He then assisted the in-running Madih Talal, who made no mistake and converted the goal with a clinical finish, sending a low shot into the bottom left corner.
However, their celebration was short-lived, as Paro FC quickly created a chance of their own. Provat Lakra made a reckless tackle in the penalty box, resulting in a penalty for the hosts. The Ghanaian forward and former I-League player, William Opoku, converted the spot-kick to level the score at 1-1 within eight minutes.
East Bengal, eager to regain the lead, put pressure on Paro’s defense but struggled to create clear-cut chances. In the dying moments of the first half, Paro took the lead for the first time, with Asante beating the offside trap and scoring in a one-on-one situation with Prabhsukhan Gill, putting his team up 2-1 at halftime.
East Bengal entered the second half with increased attacking quality and created numerous goal-scoring opportunities. They eventually found an equalizer in the 69th minute when Diamantakos ran into the penalty box and converted a low cross from Nandakumar Sekar.
Hoping for a winning start, the Indian side launched several attacks on Paro’s goal. However, solid defending and a few close misses kept East Bengal at bay, with the match ending in a 2-2 draw.